After falling behind at the halftime, Cavan regrouped after the break and, on the strength of MVP Ger Mahon’s two late goals, upended Boston, 5-5 to 3-5, to retain the Barry Fitzgerald Memorial Cup and win Saturday’s annual New York Ladies GAA 7-a-side tourney at Van Cortlandt Park.
The final was indeed worth the wait. Cavan went ahead when they were awarded two penalties in succession in the first few minutes for a couple of incidents in front of the goals. Sharpshooter Gillian Bennett made no mistake in converting the penalties to goals. Boston battled back with points from Lisa Morrisey and Marie Collins and a goal from Paula Callaghan.
Callaghan’s goals was closely followed by another goal from Collins. Cavan’s Mahon replied with a point from play and a point from a free kick. However, Boston finished the half with a 3-3 to 2-2 lead after a point from Callaghan and a well-taken goal from Sinead Walsh.
In the second half Cavan fought back with a goal from Mahon and a point from Deidre Feeney to even the scores up again. Further points from Feeney and Gillian Bennett put the Breffni side in the lead again. Boston replied with a point from Diane Kelly and were awarded a penalty which was converted by Collins. Cavan’s Mahon finished her scoring rampage of the day with two fine goals.
Leitrim 1-10, St. Pat’s 1-10
The Louie O’Hehir Memorial Shield final was a closely fought game. Leitrim led at the half, 8 points to St. Pat’s goal. In the second half, St. Pat’s scored another goal, but Leitrim increased their lead with points from Sadie Bolger and Colette McElligot. Bolger was the game’s MVP.
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Cavan 6-3, Mayo 3-7
This semifinal was a nailbiting repeat of last year’s final. With the sides drawn at half time, there was everything to play for in the second half. Mayo went ahead by three points and held the lead until the dying minutes when a foul on Ger Mahon resulted in free kick in front of the goals. Mahon blasted the ball past the defenders to draw the game and go for extra time. In extra time, Cavan took the lead and while Mayo did their utmost to bridge the gap they ran out of time.
Boston A 6-5, Philadelphia Harps 2-1
In this semifinal, Boston had a convincing win over Philadelphia. Philadelphia played their hearts out to the final whistle.
Div. 1
St Pats, Florida 0-1, Cavan 4-7
Na Fianna 2-1, Cavan 2-11
Na Fianna 0-3, St. Pat’s 1-3
Div. 2
Leitrim 3-12, Boston B 2-0
Mayo 6-5, Rockland 0-1
Letrim 0-3, Mayo 1-6
Boston B 3-0, Rockland 4-2
Leitrim 1-5, Rockland 1-1
Mayo 4-6, Boston B 2-2
Div. 3
Philadelphia 2-8, Na Fianna B 0-2
Boston A 9-2, Ciarrai 0-0
Boston A 5-4, Philadelphia 1-4
Ciarrai 4-3, Na Fianna B 2-0
Boston A 11-7, Na Fianna B 0-0
Philadelphia 3-6, Ciarrai 2-1