LGFA Intermediate Final
Naomh Eoin 3-6 Gort na Móna 1-11
Venue: Davitt Park
Referee: Ritchie Leahy
Report and photographs: Brian Hamill
Naomh Eoin were crowned LGFA Intermediate champions after a disciplined and determined display saw them overcome fellow Belfast side Gort na Móna at Davitt Park. A superb defensive performance and clinical finishing in front of goal proved the difference in a final played in difficult conditions.
Playing against a strong wind in the opening half, Naomh Eoin settled quickly and took an early lead through Hannah McAllister before Luisne Adams added another point from play. Gort na Móna responded through frees from Ciara Maguire and a point from Debbie Boydbut Naomh Eoin’s defence was already setting the tone for what was to follow.
The breakthrough arrived midway through the half when Niamh Hamill finished to the net after a well-worked move. Despite enjoying the wind advantage, Gort na Móna found scores difficult to come by as Naomh Eoin repeatedly forced turnovers and limited clear scoring opportunities. The champions then landed a second goal through Hannah McAllister before Luisne Adams struck for a crucial third major score approaching the interval.
Gort na Móna stayed in touch through the accuracy of Ciara Maguire, while Niamh NicIonnrachtaighraised a green flag of her own. However, Naomh Eoin reached the break with a valuable 3-3 to 1-5 lead despite having played the entire first half against the elements.
With the wind now at their backs, Naomh Eoin looked to control proceedings after the restart. Luisne Adams continued to punish infringements from placed balls, while AnnaAdams and Ellen Bradley added important scores to keep the scoreboard moving.
To their credit, Gort na Móna refused to go away. Ciara Maguire remained a constant threat from frees and was well supported by Debbie Boyd, Blaithin Nic Cathail, Casey Meighanand Alyssa Davidson. The Belfast side enjoyed lengthy spells of possession and repeatedly attempted to work their way back into the contest.
However, Naomh Eoin’s defensive resilience remained the defining feature of the afternoon. Time and again they turned over possession, tracked runners and forced Gort na Móna into taking difficult scoring chances. Their ability to restrict their opponents to a single goal ultimately proved decisive.
Having scored three goals in the first half while facing into the wind and then managed the game impressively after the break, Naomh Eoin fully deserved their championship success and the Intermediate title.
Naomh Eoin scorers
- Luisne Adams 1-6 (five frees)
- Hannah McAllister 1-3
- Niamh Hamill 1-0
- Anna Adams 0-2
- Ellen Bradley 0-1
Gort na Móna scorers
- Ciara Maguire 0-6 (five frees)
- Debbie Boyd 0-2
- Blaithin Nic Cathail 0-1
- Casey Meighan 0-1
- Alyssa Davidson 0-1
- Niamh Nic Ionnrachtaigh 1-0
