Monaghan got their first silverware of 2012 when they retained their Dowd Cup title with a  hard earned victory over Jordanstown. It was a repeat of last year’s final and very similar in many ways, as the margin of victory as like last year was just a single point.

 

In very cold and wet conditions, both teams to their credit served some fast and exciting football and both sets of supporters were on tenderhooks right up to the final whistle.

 

It was Monaghan who opened the scoring when a fine move starting from their half back line found Caoimhe Mohan who slotted over the bar. Jordanstown responded almost immediately with an excellent point from Shannon Quinn. Another fine point from Caoimhe Mohan put Monaghan in the lead again before Sinead Coyle equalised onced again with a free. A great attacking move by Monaghan resulted in Ciara Mc Anespie finding Niamh Kindlon through on goals. Her shot was superbly saved by Shannon Lynch. Monaghan were now gaining momentum, and a high lobbing free kick by Catriona Mc Connell lobbed in over the unfortunate Shannon Lynch’s head to give Monaghan their first goal. Catriona followed this up with an excellent point from a free from the 45 metre line to put Monaghan 4 points up with about 15 mins of the first half gone. Jordanstown started to settle into the game and Clara Fitzpatrick and Sinead Coyle narrowed the gap to just 2 points scoring 2 points in succession, one from a free. Monaghan’s defence were  being tested to the limit and as usual they showed what an excellent defence they have, leaving it very difficult for Jordanstown to make the breakthrough. Two further points from Shannon Quinn and Niamh Woods levelled matters up. In the final minutes of the half Monaghan were guilty of a number of wides but as the final whistle of the half blew, the sides were level on a scoreline of 1-3 to 0-6 and all to play for.

 

Like the first half, the second half was action packed. Caoimhe Mohan opened the scoring of the half with a point and once again Monaghan had a number of missed chances before Catriona Mc Connell converted a free to put them 2 points up again. Jordanstown had a golden opportunity to narrow the gap when they were awarded a free on the edge of the square. Rather than go for the point, Jordanstown went for goal, with the resulting shot missing the target. Shannon Quinn who was excellent all day for the Jordanstown girls narrowed the gap to just a single point. Jordanstown with a player down continued to put pressure on the Monaghan defence but Monaghan continued to defend very well as they tried to hold on to their slim lead. A point from Eileen Mc Kenna put 2 points between the sides once again before Monaghan were reduced to 14. The last 5 minutes were nerve wrecking as Jordanstown surged forward. Shannon Quinn pointed to leave just the minimum between them but Monaghan held out and when the final whistle blew, there was relief among the Monaghan supporters who had braved the weather conditions to cheer on the girls.

 

  

 

Linda Martin, Lavina Connolly, Ciara Mc Dermott, Joanne Courtney, Aoife Mc Anespie, Nicola Fahy, Christine Reilly, Amanda Casey, Isobel Kierans, Eileen Mc Kenna (0-1), Caoimhe Mohan (0-3), Cora Courtney, Ciara Mc Anespie, Niamh Kindlon, Catriona Mc Connell (1-2 2f)

 

Subs used  Eileen Mc Elroy

 

Shannon Lynch, Aisling Mc Elvaney, Laura Mc Gillion, Sinead Coy, Niamh Mc Gowan, Sharon Courtney, Aisling Hughes, Shannon Quinn (0-4), Clara Fitzpatrick (0-1), Eimear Kane, Niamh Woods(0-1), Cathy Carey, Sinead Fegan, Orla Fegan, Sinead Coyle (0-2)

 

After the presentations were made, the College All stars were announced with Monaghan receiving 6, Linda Martin, Christine Reilly, Aoife Mc Anespie, Nicola Fahy, Caoimhe Mohan and Catriona Mc Connell. Sharon Courtney also received one for Jordanstown. Congratulations to all the girls.

 

 

 

 

With the National league starting this weekend, the Dowd cup gave the management a chance to look at a number of new players and to retain the cup was just the start the management needed.Over the course of the Dowd cup the new players on the panel have impressed, leaving the management’s job very difficult going into the league. Monaghan were missing a number of regulars at the weekend. Grainne Mc Nally, Sharon Courtney and Natasha Mohan all togged out for their respective colleges. Laura Mc Eneaney was unavailable. Ellen Mc Carron played in the semi final on Saturday and excelled throughout, but wasn’t available for the final. Therese Mc Nally was also unavailable. A full panel should be available for the upcoming National league. This Sunday sees the start of the National Football league. First up for Monaghan is Laois who have proved to be a bogey team for Monaghan over the past number of years. Monaghan beat them by a single point in the league last year, but Laois beat them in the league semi final.

Venue for Sunday’s game is Tyholland. Throw in at 2. On behalf of the county board, we wish the team and management the very best of luck

 

 

 

 

 

Don’t forget our annual awards night, which takes place in Scotstown on Friday 24th February. Music by Rula Bula. Tickets €15,