Following Roche Emmets heroics in beating St. Mochtas in the first of the quarter finals last Sunday, St. Kevins produced the shock of the season as they stunned St. Fechins on Sunday morning in Termonfeckin to advance on a 2:04 to 0:08 scoreline.
Goals win matches is the well-worn mantra and this was again illustrated with three pointers from Susan Byrne and Aoife Gregory proving crucial in their hard-earned victory. The wind assisted home side hit a number of poor wides in the opening half with County star Byrne’s goal giving the Philipstown side reasons for optimism as they trailed by just the minimum (0:04 to 1:00) at the break.
They received a further boost shortly after the restart when the impressive Aoife Gregory hit their second goal. Fechins continued to squander chances and might have got back in the contest but for the brilliance of Donna Farrell. The Kevin’s net-minder was in superb form and denied the eager Fechins attackers in the latter stages with a series of top class saves.
(Photos by Warren Matthews)
Their reward is a semi-final meeting with favourites Geraldines who had a comfortable 4:17 to 1:02 win over Newtown Blues. The Haggardstown side were always in control and led by 1:10 to 0:02 at the interval.
Rebecca Carr was in top form for the winner’s hitting an impressive 1:09 with Lauren McFall, Ciara O’Connor and Ava Kieran were also among the goal scorers.
The other tie between Cooley Kickhams and Stabannon was called off due to a bereavement.
In the Intermediate Championship a strong second half display ensured Naomh Fionnbarra a place in the semi-final after this 3:13 to 2:11 win over Kilkerley. Trailing by 0:9 to 0:5 at the change of ends, the Togher side resumed in determined fashion and were rewarded as both Niamh Devlin and Ciera McMahon found the net.
Marianne Hullen netted a third goal to put the game beyond the North Louth side who to their credit never give up and a late rally saw Ciara Lennon and Jade McKeown raise green flags. They could have been much closer but for the fantastic contribution of Fionnbarra’s keeper Annemarie Breen who kept out a number of goal bound shots.
Naomh Mairtin/Glen Emmets also booked their place in the last four after a 2:11 to 2:08 win over neighbours Dreadnots on Friday night. Two first half goals from county player Aoife Russell and a number of good stops by Rachel Goodwin including a late penalty save were central to the win.
Senior Championship, Semi Finals on September 1st
Geraldines v St. Kevins
Roche Emmets v Cooley Kickhams or Stabannon Parnells
Intermediate Championship, Semi Finals on September 1st
Naomh Fionnbarra v Clan na Gael
St. Patricks v Naomh Mairtin/Glen Emmets
All-Ireland Junior Football Championship
Semi Finals on Weekend August 24/25
Antrim v Louth
London v Fermanagh
Times/venues TBC
