AIB & Armagh City Hotel Ulster Junior Championship final

Brídíní Óga, Glenravel (Antrim) v Dungiven (Derry)

O’Cathan Park, Portglenone – Throw-in 1pm

Antrim Junior A Camogie champions Brídíní Óga face a tough task when they take on high scoring Derry champions Dungiven in Saturday’s Ulster final at Portglenone.

The Glenravel girls have had to work very hard to get to the provincial decider and their toughtest game probably came in the Antrim semi-final when they took on Cushendall in Ballycastle. The Dall appeared to be in the driving seat when they held a two point lead going into injury time but a goal from a twenty metre free by team captain Tori Edgar edged them ahead with time almost up before sending over a point from a free to book a final slot against Loughgiel Shamrocks.

In that final the Glenravel girls held the upper hand for most of the game against Loughgiel with Orlaith Gould, Molly Woulahan, Leona Gillan, Erin Coulter and Bronagh Laverty all showing well. The decisive score coming seven minutes after the change of ends. It started when Leona Gillan won the sliotar in a ruck at midfield and released Erin Coulter whose shot at the end of a strong solo run was short. Molly Woulahan though was first on to the breaking ball and she kicked to the net to open up a decisive six point gap. (1-8 to 0-05)

They had home advantage in the semi-final two weeks ago against Down champions Ballyholland and won convincingly. Once again Tori Edgar was unerring from frees and after Kirsty Laverty and Sarah Fyfe got early points, Edgar hit the first of her personal tally of 0-09. Molly Woulahan got in for the goal and by half time they were 1-09 to 0-05 to the good. That seven point lead was doubled during the second thirty minutes as they secured a place in Saturday’s final with a bit to spare.

 Dungiven hit three goals in the first half of their semi-final win over Castledawson in the semi-final of the Derry championship and looked set to romp home but they lost their way in the second period, but held on to set up a final meeting with Ballinderry.

In that final the Dungiven girls again appeared to be in trouble but star forward Aideen McGonigle dug them out with a personal tally of 3-06 and it is clear she is a special player.

In the Ulster semi-final against she surpassed that score, running up an incredible 3-10 and it is clear that Glenravel manager Chris Dornan and his backroom team will have to works out a plan to stem the danger she brings.

This promised to be a great occasion with the pristine sod of Portglenone the ideal surface for a provincial decider. Glenravel have the players to get over the line, but McGonigle will take a lot of watching.