Donegal survive relegation
play-off
28.11.08
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Donegal...2-9 Meath...0-6 by Inishowen Independent DONEGAL came through Sunday’s relegation play-off against Meath in Templeport County Cavan as Dominic McGlinchey’s girls had nine points to spare over Meath in a game that has been the subject of much debate. Donegal had contended that they shouldn’t have been forced to play the game, but the top brass decided otherwise. But, the Donegal girls – backboned by several players from county champions Moville – came good as two goals from sub Yvonne McMonagle saw them comfortably stave off the Royals and avoid having to face Waterford in the New Year. Donegal can tuck into the turkey safe in the knowledge that they remain at the senior grade for 2009. Niamh Hegarty opened with two points, both free kicks, while Nadine Doherty scored her first after Diane Toner turned over possession with a great delivery from Nora Stapleton setting up the chance as Donegal took control from the off. |
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Treasa Doherty pointed
after a quick delivery from Aoife Hegarty was laid off
from Nadine Doherty and Niamh Hegarty intercepted a pass
and punished the Meath error for her third. Elaine Duffy got the first Meath score on 18 minutes and Grainne Nulty added another two minutes later. Meath did have a goal chance late in the half, but could find no way through the nine Donegal players lined in front of the net. Therese McCafferty, Sarah Faulkner, and Loirin Melarkey kept the Meath charge at bay throughout the first half. Nadine Doherty scored the final score of the half, a free kick from the outside of the right boot, to leave Donegal 0-6 to 0-2 up at half time. In the first minute of the second-half, Nadine Doherty finished a sweeping |
Donegal move, but Meath
replied through Eve Wardick. Donegal continued to dominate in the middle with Nora Stapleton and Aoife Hegarty conducting many attacks and Aoife Mc Donnell covering all areas of the park. Yvonne McMonagle was introduced five minutes into the second half and the Glenfin girl scored 1-1 inside five minutes of her introduction. Meath’s Alisha Jordan raised a flag at one end, but with 12 minutes to go Nadine Doherty put McMonagle in on goal and she made no mistake lobbing the Meath keeper to score her second goal of the afternoon. Grainne Nulty added a free and a point from play before second half substitute Bridget Gallagher showed her class scoring the last point of the afternoon from a great run and a fine finish. For Donegal, the Moville sextet were very active throughout, especially the debutante’s Loirin Melarkey and Deirdre Foley. Donegal: Roisin McCafferty; Loirin Melarkey, Sarah Faulkner, Therese McCafferty; Lorraine O’Sullivan, Diane Toner, Grainne Houston; Nora Stapleton, Aoife Hegarty; Roisin Friel, Niamh Hegarty (0-3), Eilish Ward; Aoife McDonnell, Nadine Doherty (0-3), Treasa Doherty (0-1). Subs: Yvonne Mc Monagle (2-1); Mari Herron; Bridget Gallagher (0-1); Catherine McAteer; Deirdre Foley; Olive McCafferty. Meath: Irene Munnelly; Junieanne Scanlon, Aoife O’Rourke, Philomena Sheridan; Ciara Daly, Jane Burke, Jenny Risein; Eve Wardick (0-1), Catriona O’Shaughnessy; Aedin Murray, Grainne Nulty (0-3), Tara Ryan; Alisha Jordan (0-1), Elaine Duffy (0-1), Shauna Bennett. For full coverage of all your weekend sport, read the Inishowen Independent. |
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