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Tyrone 3-8 Monaghan 0-13

Tyrone’s ability to take their scores and steady the ship as Monaghan rallied saw the O’Neill county side seal a 5th Ulster senior ladies title with a rather convincing 3-8 to 13 point turnover of the reigning champions at Kingspan Breffni Park on Sunday.

Tyrone looked sharp all over the park against John McAleers side who took the 2008 crown at Tyrone’s expence. That experience said Tyrone skipper Sinead McLaughlin was certainly a factor as Tyrone turned in a good display to annex that 5th title,

“ last year hut us and it was on our minds in the build up to this game, I feel that we owed them one and I am delighted with our response, I am one happy  and proud woman to be lifting this cup”

The Drumragh defender played her part in the victory too, her display of holding ace forward Ciara McAnespie scoreless told its own tale as Monaghan relied on the free taking of Niamh Kindlon to keep on the heels of Tyrone who could have won by more.

A goal and point in the opening seven minutes set the scene for this Ulster final, Sarah Connolly back in the Tyrone squad after over a year, pointed and then perhaps was lucky to see her goal stand. Begley threw off the shackles of Elana Hackett before laying the ball over Sharon Courtney’s head for Errigals Connolly to score, the umpires consulted, Monaghan appealed for square ball but referee Terrance McShea signalled the three pointer and Tyrone were up and running.

Kindlon 0-2 and Edel Byrne points closed the gap, Joline Donnelly drilled over a long range point before Catherine McConnell and Niamh Lynch points levelled matters on 15 minutes.

Monagha came and went in this tie, Casey and Fahy toyed with the Tyrone midfield duo of Shannon Quinn and Sarah Donnelly but it was the Tyrone par who shade the half. A Quinn pass putting Cathy Donnelly through for the first of two quick fire points added to by a well executed Gemma Begley point.

Kindlon and McConnell looked to have kept Monaghan in touch, trailing by two as the half time whistle approached but Tyrone had the final word of the half.

 Sarah Connolly showed her maturity as a player now as she laid the ball off for a well, perhaps better  placed Cathy Donnelly who drilled the ball past Linda Martin to leave Tyrone leading 2-6 to 0-7. Maura Kelly, McLaughlin, Lynda Donnelly and Woods had enjoyed a good half, Monaghan having to live of scraps

Within twelve minutes though of  a stop start second half Monaghan had closed in on Tyrone again, two close range frees from Kindlon, now with her head heavily bandaged left it 2-7 to 9 points. This was Monaghans best spell, Jolene Donnelly managing a Tyrone point as Sarah Donnelly’s great shot after a lung busting run was turned away by Martin. John McAleers side had their tails up McConnell pointed and Edel Byrne got away from Woods to score one of the days best points, that left just a point between the sides going into the last ten minutes. A raft of wides though proved to be Monaghans downfall, McConnell, Bryne, McAnespie and Kindlon all conspired to hit 7 wides , at least four very score able.

 Tyrone stepped up the pace and started to put the screws on the Oriel girls, obviously driven by those missed chances. Neamh Woods, Shannon Quinn and Sarah Donnelly  took charge round the middle with the unstoppable Lynda Donnelly and Tyrone were very much the team in control once again.

Woods setting up Cathy Donnelly for a great point to open the gap again and as if deflated by that score Monaghan looked to be a beaten docket. Jolene Donnelly’s goal capping a steady performance with a well taken goal and Tyrone had further chances Begley powered her shot goal ward only for Martin to turn it away in the closing minutes.

Tyrone crowned champions for a 5th time and deservedly so, they worked hard throughout and finished strong, Monaghan left counting the cost of those missed chances. Lynda Donnelly impressed throughout, Cathy Donnellys work rate earned her the player of the match award while Sinead McLaughlins performance was a major facet in Tyrones win.

Monaghan manager John McAleer disappointed at the outcome but admitted that the better team won on the day.

“ We huffed and puffed at times and I felt that if we had went in at the break only two points down it may have been a different game, we should have taken our chances when they came but take nothing away from Tyrone they were good today”

Tyrone now enter the all Ireland stage at the quarter finals, in the recent past its been through the qualifiers and the all Ireland semi-finals have been reached, can taking the step as Ulster champions may just be the catalyst that could drive them on to that illusive national title.

Monaghan: Linda Martin, Yvonne Connell, Sharon Courtney, Christina Rielly, Grainne McNally, Elanna Hackett, Lavinia Connolly,

Nicola Fahy, Amanada Casey, Aoife McAnespie, Edel Byrne 0-2, Cathriona McConnell 0-4, Ciara McAnespie, Niamh Kindlon 0-5, Niamh Lynch 0-1

Tyrone: Sinead McVeigh, Sinead Mc Laughlin, Maura Kelly, Marie Donnelly, Marie Gallagher, Neamh Woods, Roisin Rafferty, Shannon Quinn, Sarah Donnelly, Cathy Donnelly 1-3, Gemma Begley 0-1, Carl Dooher, Jolene Donnelly 1-2, Sarah Connolly 1-2, Lynda Donnelly.

Subs Orla O’Neill FOR Carol Doohera

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