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Down top N.Y. in controversial finish

February 16, 2011

By Staff Reporter

By Mike Fitzpatrick

Down 2-13, New York 1-14

It was a case of Down and out for New York in what was a thrilling performance in the ladies junior football championship semifinal at Gaelic Park on Sunday. A capacity crowd witnessed the women from Ulster sneak into the final ahead of the brave warriors from the Big Apple.

The Mourne women started as the better side with a couple of efforts from Michaela Downey, Martina McLafferty and Cathy Gallagher to give their side a three-point lead early in the game.

However, New York were not merely there to make up the numbers. A fabulous score from Mary McGuire from all of 30 yards brought the New Yorkers back into the tie and moments later the U.S. based side were unlucky when Nollaig Cleary’s long range effort bounced not only off both posts, but also ricocheting off Down goalie Elaine McCourt to safety. Down were off the hook.

The visitors immediately fought back, with Michaela Downey hitting another, and Lisa Morgan scoring a well-taken goal. New York trailed, but were far from despondent.

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Gillian Bennett certainly claimed one of the best personal performances by scoring a magnificent 1-7 in the game. Every time Bennett gained possession, the Down bench rose in worry. It was her efforts that clawed New York back into a position where they could indeed have clinched the game.

From some great forward play from Joanne McKenna, Bennett latched onto a perfect pass to give the New Yorkers the goal they needed.

Trailing by a mere point in injury time, New York fought tooth and nail to climb back into the fray, but controversy was around the corner. A Down substitute entered the field of play, without anyone having left the pitch. The New York bench were furious, as 16 played 15. From a subsequent foul, rather than a hot ball, which should have been awarded, at least according to GAA rules, the referee gave a free to Down. The Mourne side converted, and New York’s hearts broke.

It’s Down for Croke Park, but this ladies side, despite the loss, earned the pride of every New Yorker watching.

Down: Elaine McCourt, Jackie Clarke, Mairead Guinness, Veronica Ward, Bronagh McCurry, Maura McCabe, Aoibheann Downey, Michaela Downey (0-5), Marianna Devlin, Aine Keary, Joanne Lavery (1-0), Michelle Fearon, Martina McCafferty (0-2), Kathy Gallagher (0-1). Sub: Brenda Russell

New York: Alison Lineen, Fiona Ward, Olive Wilson, Pauline Coleman, Louise McMahon, Colette McElligott, Caroline O’Sullivan, Maire Grogan, Ellen McGrail, Nollaig Cleary, Mary McGuire (0-2), Mags Dineen (0-1), Joanne McKenna (0-3), Gillian Bennett (1-7), Rosie O’Reilly. Subs: Catherine McAteer (0-1), Justine Clifford.

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