Bord Gáis Energy Ladies National Football League Division One Final

Monaghan 1-13 Cork 2-7                                                     12/5/12

Monaghan’s senior ladies footballers lifted the National League Division One title for the first time since 1999 with a hugely impressive win over Cork in the final at Parnell Park on Saturday. Gregory McGonigle’s side produced a gutsy performance to overturn last year’s All-Ireland final defeat against the mighty Cork team who were chasing a five-in-a-row in the league. Monaghan had impressive individual performances throughout the pitch, starting from goalkeeper Linda Martin. The full-back line, where inspirational captain Sharon Courtney was flanked by Gráinne McNally and Christina Reilly, was excellent, while Laura McEnaney starred in the half-forward line and the full-forwards – Cathriona McConnell (1-4), Niamh Kindlon (0-4) and Caoimhe Mohan (0-3) led the way on the scoreboard.

Monaghan could easily have folded when Cork came from nine points down to score two goals and close the gap to three points, but they refused to wilt and they ran out deserving winners.

Full report to follow from Ladies PRO Brenda McAnespie…

Monaghan team: Linda Martin; Gráinne McNally, Sharon Courtney (Capt.), Christina Reilly; Therese McNally, Nicola Fahy, Aoife McAnespie; Amanda Casey, Isabel Kieran; Ciara McAnespie, Laura McEnaney (0-2), Cora Courtney; Cathriona McConnell (1-4), Niamh Kindlon (0-4, 1f), Caoimhe Mohan (0-3).

Subs: Eileen McElroy for Kieran (H-T), Ellen McCarron for McEnaney (56 mins), Lavina Connolly for Fahy (58).