Ladies 9 a side finals Sunday last on the 3G Kingspan Breffni Park the first of the domestic competitions within the ladies football calendar reached its finale. The 9 a side competition was devised a number of years ago to provide football and competition for ladies not involved on the Senior County team and runs concurrently with the National League. Perhaps one of the more difficult competitions to be involved in due to the very inclement weather and the endless search for playable grounds, it does provide the opportunity to clubs to prepare earlier for League and Championship. Proceedings got under way at 10.00am an early start in GAA circles but the ladies of Cornafean and Drumlane were undeterred by the call to battle and under the watchful eye of referee Gerry Sheridan they played out a sporting and entertaining Division 3 final before a large appreciative crowd. On this occasion the ladies from Drumlane were to be the victors capturing the first of four titles that were up for decision. Next up was the Division 2 final and referee Maggie Farrelly took centre stage in an interesting dual which saw old foes Gowna and Knockbride challenge for supremacy.Both teams in the last few years have had mixed fortunes on the cup trail but Gowna were resolute in their endeavour and Patricia Lynch and Paula Fitzpatrick were very proud to lift the first honours for their Gowna team mates on this occasion. A short intermission followed to allow the Breffni Blues to follow the fortunes of the County Ladies Senior team as they took on the might of Donegal in Irvinestown. The Division 4 final saw the attractive pairing of Shercock and Killeshandra. Both teams have worked hard in the promotion and development of ladies football within their respective areas and their hard work paid dividend when we saw the closest final of the day Mickey Lee was the overseer on this occasion and in a nail biting last 10 mins ,Shercock overcame a valiant Killesahandra effort to become champions. After a long day for the officials the Division 1 final promised to deliver a battle between near neighbours Lurgan and Bailieboro and we were not disappointed . Both teams have within their ranks a healthy mix of youth and experience with both attributes contributing to a very sporting and competitive game, Referee Harry Conaty allowed the game to flow and we were served a fast paced open game with Lurgan emerging as victors on this occasion. Following on from the commitment and endeavour shown at all the finals ,standards within Cavan ladies football clubs are definitely on the up and as the year progresses we are certain to see talent rewarded and new champions emerging. Congratulations to our 9 aside winners and the runners up
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