Hungry Na Fianna chew up Leitrim

The second semi final was another thriller in this year’s Sean

Faherty Championship, when Na Fianna upset Leitrim by five points to reach the final on Sunday next.

Na Fianna, lead by Captain Caroline Conway, is a team that shows tremendous heart and Sunday was no exception.

Leitrim just never seem to get going on the day, trailing the entire game, and will be disappointed with their loss after their great win in the Annie Kearney Cup a few weeks ago.

It was Na Fianna who pushed the game from the word go with Alison Lineen gaining the edge at midfield, and setting up a succession of points that saw Na Fianna up four before Leitrim registered their first score, a point from Mairéad Casey .

Cathy Galvin, newcomer in goals for Na Fianna made her height advantage known between the posts and was lucky to have two attempts by Casey and Tracey Rice kicked straight into her hands.

Leitrim, now starting to settle, had some fine play from Una Burke, who was anchored at full-back and was kept busy for the half-hour defending the continuous attacks by Chiara Ferry and Mary McEvoy. A few wasted chances by Leitrim and only another point by Sadie Bolger, allowed Na Fianna to end the half with a lead of three points.

Na Fianna began the second half in a whirlwind that caught Leitrim off guard. Lifting their game to full pitch, Lineen scored a goal from a sideline kick that went over everyone’s head and into the back of the net.

With Ann Marie Munn struggling to continue play in the forward line due to a re-injured hamstring and Moria Grogan now covering at midfield, Leitrim’s response was hard and fast.

First, Pat Meade’s attempt at goal, then Sadie Bolger followed by Ann Marie McMunn. However, they continued to shoot straight into the hands of the waiting Galvin, not learning their lesson from the first half.

Na Fianna refused to panic. Veteran Rose Dunican picked out Helena Campion with a perfect pass which Campion buried into the back of the net.

Despite an explosive five minutes by Leitrim that saw Rice finally score one on Galvin and Bolger and Grogan adding points, they were unable to stop the stampede of Na Fianna.

Na Fianna won because they wanted it more. They played as a team with Lineen dominating midfield and Chiara Ferry closing down the running game of Grogan.

Up front Marie Curran and Mary McEvoy played their hearts out while the back-line of Paula Corbit, Caroline Conway and Mary Kearney left nothing to chance.

Na Fianna: Marie Curran 0-2, Alison Lineen 1-2, Mary McEvoy 0-2,

Chiara Ferry 0-2, Helena Campion 1-0.

Player of the Game: Caroline Conway

Leitrim: Mairéad Casey 0-1, Sadie Bolger 0-3, Moira Grogan 0-2,

Tracey Rice 1-0.

Player of the Game: Una Burke