So close for the ladies in 2011
November 27, 2011So close and yet so far was the case in Croke Park on the biggest day in ladies football but despite the bitter disappointment felt by all leaving GAA headquarters it was still a year of wonderful memories as a fantastic bunch of girls give it their all in the quest of glory. The season began with a new management team of Gregory McGonigle, Peter Clarke and John Downey appointed to lead the side. It also saw an historic first for the side when they entered the new look Dowd Cup which up until 2010 only consisted of Ulster college sides. It was a campaign that set the girls up nicely for the league and then of course that championship journey that took them to the final day.
Dowd Cup
The year began with the side involved in the Dowd Cup and in their opening game they sent out warning signs of what their intentions were for the year ahead. While Tyrone were somewhat depleted, a 5-27 to 0-0 victory was eye catching to say the least. Cathriona McConnell rowed in with 2-7 while Ciara McAnespie, Therese McNally and Caoimhe Mohan also raised the green flag in a very convincing team display. Next up was the finals weekend held in Jordanstown with Monaghan up against Queens University in the semi-final. After securing the win they then faced the hosts in the final the following day hoping to land their first ever Dowd Cup and make history by becoming the first county side to do so. UUJ were looking their fourth successive title and with a number of county stars in their ranks pushed Monaghan all the way. In the end a single point separated the sides with the Oriel girls coming out on top. A goal from the penalty spot by Cathriona McConnell saw Monaghan lead at the break 1-3 to 0-5. However when Aoife McDonnell struck for a goal early in the second have for the students Monaghan knew they were up against a side out to make it five in a row. With nine minutes remaining the sides were back on level terms and in a purple patch Monaghan gained control with points from Player of the Tournament Therese McNally and Caoimhe Mohan (2). UUJ battled back to reduce the deficit to a single point but the Oriel girls held on. The sides performances were rewarded with seven of the team collecting Dowd Cup All Star awards with Edel Corrigan, Sharon Courtney, Christina Reilly, Isobel Kieran, Therese McNally, Cathriona McConnell and Caoimhe Mohan all rewarded.
League
This was the ideal preparation for the side ahead of the national league which began the following week against neighbours Tyrone. Monaghan continued their impressive start to the year with another fine display to collect three valuable league points and get their campaign off to the perfect start with a 2-14 to 0-7 victory. A bright start saw them race four points clear and by the break they were already looking in good shape as they held a 2-7 to 0-5 advantage, with Caoimhe Mohan and Cathriona McConnell hitting the majors. Tyrone fought hard in the second period and it look two wonderful saves from Monaghan custodian Edel Corrigan to keep the Red Hand at bay. Seven unanswered points in the end saw the Oriel girls run out convincing winners.
Next stop was a trip West to Crossmolina to take on Mayo in round two. A final score of 3-13 to 1-8 would suggest a comfortable afternoon for the visitors but it wasn't until the second period that they pulled away. Just a goal from substitute Grainne McNally on the stroke of half time separated the sides.
After the resumption Monaghan upped the tempo and when McNally hit her second major there was only going to be one winner. At the back Monaghan were rock solid holding the Mayo forwards at bay. McConnell wrapped up the victory with a late goal to make it two from two for Monaghan.
In the next round they welcomed Cork to Emyvale for a mouth watering clash. On the day little did either side know that come September they would be facing each other in the biggest game of the year.
With the wind at their backs in the opening half Monaghan hit the ground running, racing five points clear. When the half time whistle sounded the lead was seven with Ciara McAnespie finding the net when she was quickest to react to an effort by Amanda Casey that had rattled the crossbar. The Rebels fought back to come within a single point of Monaghan but the home side held their nerve and hit back to pull three clear again of the challenge to collect another victory on a final score of 1-13 to 2-7.
The unbeaten start continued in Monasterevin when they recorded a 2-15 to 1-7 win against Kildare in round four. The sides were level at the break 1-5 a piece, Therese McNally finding the net with one of the goals of the season. After the resumption Monaghan looked control with an emphatic second half display. Entering the final 12 minutes they led 1-11 to 1-7 and from there to the finish they held the home side scoreless while hitting 1-4 themselves, with McConnell finding the net. It was also a game that saw the welcome return of the experienced Niamh Kindlon to action after a long layoff through injury.
With two games remaining, Monaghan secured a place for themselves in the Bord Gais Energy Division 1 semi finals after a hard fought three point victory over Galway in Mountbellow. With the advantage of the strong wind in the opening half Monaghan led at the break 1-8 to 0-6, Cathriona McConnell who finished with 1-6 to her name found the net. In the end it was to be that all important goal that separated the sides when the final whistle sounded. Galway piled on the pressure in the second period but the Monaghan rearguard were immense and held them out.
With a place in the knockout stages secured the side went on the road again, this time to face Laois in Portlaoise. The O'Moore County are a side that Monaghan have struggled against in the last number of years and this was to be no different. However, this time around they recorded a long overdue victory against the Leinster side with the minimum to spare after a titanic struggle. The table toppers led 0-7 to 0-5 at the break but within four minutes of the resumption Laois had restored parity. Laois were rampant and hit the front and had it not been for some wonderful defending in particular from Christina Reilly things could have been much worse. The visitors hit back and got their noses in front thanks to a goal by Cathriona McConnell from the penalty spot 13 minutes from time. The response from the home side was immediate with a goal of their own and entering the final ten minutes the home side led by three. However, this Monaghan sided showed their character to hit back with Ciara McAnespie netting to level matters and then Cathriona McConnell to fire the winner three minutes from time.
In the final league clash Donegal were visitors to Truagh in round seven. The home side dominated throughout despite fielding without the services of Cathriona McConnell. A late first half goal did give Donegal hope but Monaghan still led 2-6 to 1-2 at the break, Ciara McAnespie and Caoimhe Mohan hitting the majors. Mohan was to find the net again in the second period to round off an unbeaten league campaign and make it seven wins from seven and a 3-14 to 1-7 victory.
In the semi final they came face to face with Laois in Ballymahon, a game that unfortunately saw the Oriel girls turn in their poorest display of the year. Yet again they were without the services of Cathriona McConnell. An early goal from Ciara McAnespie give Monaghan the advantage and at the interval they led 1-7 to 1-5. Two quick points after the resumption stretched the lead to four but the O'Moore county responded with 1-1 to level. Goal opportunities went a begging for Monaghan including a Cora Courtney penalty that was saved. Laois took advantage and finished the stronger with four unanswered points to record a 2-11 to 1-10 win.
Team (v Laois): Edel Corrigan, Christina Reilly, Una McNally, Margaret Treanor, Lavina Connolly , Sharon Courtney (0-1), Nicola Fahy, Cora Courtney (0-1), Amanda Casey, Aoife McAnespie (1-0), Grainne McNally, Therese McNally (0-2, f), Caoimhe Mohan (0-5), Ellen McCarron, Ciara McAnespie (0-1). Subs used: Natasha Mohan, Isabel Kierans.
Championship
After the league semi-final disappointment and the defeat to Laois, the side took a break before beginning their championship preparations. Then on June 5 the day finally arrived and Armagh were the opposition in Healy Park, Omagh, a game that acted as the curtain raiser to the Monaghan and Tyrone in the Ulster championship. The ladies had little trouble recording a 4-16 to 0-4 win against the Orchard Ccounty with a super all round display in difficult conditions. In all nine players got their name on the scoresheet including all six starting forwards. Making her first competitive start of the year Laura McEnaney opening the scoring and when the whistle sounded for half time Monaghan led 1-8 to 0-3. The McAnespie twins Aoife and Ciara combined with the goal coming from the latter.
Armagh only added a further point in the second half while at the other end scores were coming from all angles. Cathriona McConnell struck for their second goal and soon added a second before Ciara McAnespie also hit her second goal of the day.
Team (v Armagh): Linda Martin, Margaret Treanor, Sharon Courtney, Grainne McNally, Aoife McAnespie (0-1), Nicola Fahy, Lavina Connolly, Amanda Casey (0-1), Cora Courtney, Ellen McCarron (0-1), Therese McNally (0-3, 2f), Caoimhe Mohan (0-1),Catriona McConnell (2-3, 0-2f), Ciara McAnespie (2-2) Laura McEneaney (0-3). Subs used: Christina Reilly, Natasha Mohan, Niamh Kindlon (0-1), Niamh Lynch.
Two weeks later all roads led to the Athletic Grounds and a clash with Down in the semi-final. The victory was all but secured at the break as Caoimhe Mohan struck for a hat-trick after just 23 minutes to help Monaghan into a 4-5 to 0-2 lead at the break. The Truagh star had raised the green flag twice before Down opening their account while Ciara McAnespie struck for the sides fourth major. Down hit an early second half goal but it was all about Monaghan and Mohan as she hit her fourth goal of the day to round a super individual display with a personal tally of 4-4.
Team (v Down): Edel Corrigan, Christina Reilly, Sharon Courtney, Grainne McNally, Lavina Connolly, Nicola Fahy, Aoife McAnespie, Amanda Courtney, Cora Courtney, Therese McNally (0-2), Ellen McCarron (0-2), Barbara Ward, Natasha Mohan (0-2), Ciara McAnespie (1-1), Caoimhe Mohan (4-4). Subs Used: Margaret Treanor, Niamh Kindlon (0-1), Eileen McElroy, Laura McEneaney, Emma Byrne.
It was to St Tiernach's Park, Clones next and a meeting with Tyrone in the Ulster decider on the first Sunday in July. In both meetings earlier in the year Monaghan had easily overcome Tyrone and in truth they never looked in any danger during the final as they ran out winners 3-18 to 0-10.
Goals from Niamh Kindlon and Coaimhe Mohan were the difference in the opening period as the Oriel girls led at the break 2-8 to 0-7. Tyrone started the second period brightly but Monaghan were solid in defence as they had been all year. In an excellent all round performance Monaghan retained the O'Harte Cup with some ease. Player of the Match Therese McNally was exceptional along with Kindlon who was making her first start of the year and finished with 1-4 to her name. Caoimhe Mohan continued her sparkling form with a second goal.
Team (v Tyrone): Edel Corrigan, Grainne McNally, Sharon Courtney, Christina Reilly, Lavina Connolly, Nicola Fahy, Aoife McAnespie, Amanda Casey, Cora Courtney (0-1), Therese McNally (0-4, 2f), Ellen McCarron (0-4, 1f), Laura McEneaney, Caoimhe Mohan (2-2), Ciara McAnespie (0-2), Niamh Kindlon (1-4, 0-1f). Subs Used: Eileen McElroy (0-1), Natasha Mohan, Eileen McKenna.
With the Ulster title safely retained attentions turned to the All-reland series but they had to wait until August 20 for their quarter final encounter with beaten Leinster finalists Meath in Birr. It was a game that had the added spice with Clones women Paula Cunningham acting as manager of the Royals. However, Monaghan had little difficulty in overcoming the hurdle and easily advanced to the last four following a 2-13 to 0-8 win.
Despite the six week layoff the Oriel girls showed little effect of this and only trailed once in the game that the opening scores. Converted frees from Niamh Kindlon and Cathriona McConnell give the eventual winners the lead and by the break, helped by a goal from Therese McNally, Monaghan had opened up a 1-7 to 0-3 advantage, though it look a great save from custodian Linda Martin on the stroke of half time to deny Meath a certain goal.
The tie was all but wrapped up soon after the restart with a point from Kindlon and then the sides second major, this time from Caoimhe Mohan. Three further points followed and suddenly Monaghan were all but out of sight 2-11 to 0-3 clear. There was no way back for the Leinster girls and Monaghan made sure of a place against Kerry in the semi finals.
Team (v Meath): Linda Martin, Grainne McNally, Sharon Courtney, Christina Reilly, Aoife McAnespie (0-1), Nicola Fahy, Lavina Connolly, Amanda Casey, Cora Courtney, Therese McNally (1-0), Ellen McCarron, Catriona McConnell (0-4, 2f), Ciara McAnespie (0-1), Niamh Kindlon (0-4, f), Caoimhe Mohan (1-2). Subs used: Laura McEneaney (0-1), Eileen McElroy, Natasha Mohan.
It was back to the Offaly venue two weeks later for the clash with the Kingdom and just 60 minutes away from a place in the final. A final score of 4-15 to 2-12 may suggest it was a comfortable nine point victory but Monaghan were asked serious question by Kerry and the side answered them in emphatic style.
A goal by Therese McNally after just 9 minutes and a second from Cathriona McConnell soon after saw Monaghan start in blistering fashion and were seven clear after 17 minutes. At the break Kerry had reduced the deficit to five and after they resumption they quickly went about wiping that out with a goal after just 25 seconds followed by a point. McConnell settled Monaghan with a point but a second major for Kerry edged them in front and Monaghan were now been asked some questions. Both sides traded points and with them level at 2-10 a piece it was now Monaghan showed their true potential. In a blistering spell they struck 2-4 without replay, Caoimhe Mohan scoring both goal and team captain Sharon Courtney leading the way from defence with some powerful and inspiration runs. Kerry were shell shocked and simply could not respond and Monaghan were on their way to Croke Park to face Cork on the final Sunday in September.
Team (v Kerry): Linda Martin, Grainne McNally, Sharon Courtney, Christina Reilly,
Aoife McAnespie, Nicola Fahy, Lavina Connolly, Amanda Casey, Cora Courtney, Therese McNally (1-3), Ellen McCarron(0-3), Catriona McConnell (1-6, 0-3f), Ciara McAnespie, Niamh Kindlon (0-1, f), Caoimhe Mohan (2-1). Subs used: Laura McEneaney (0-1), Isobel Kierans, Eileen McElroy, Natasha Mohan.
The day the side had aimed for at the beginning of the year finally arrived and more importantly the side were there to play a major part. Cork who had won five of the last six All Ireland titles stood in the way of a first for Monaghan since '97. Back in 2008 the Rebel's saw off Monaghan but this time there was an air of confidence that this improving side could overturn the experienced Cork girls. In the end it was not to be and yet again goals were to prove the difference with Cork netting one in each half to edge them over the winning line 2-7 to 0-11.
The opening period was nip and tuck with the sides level on three occasions inside the opening twenty minutes. Then Cork struck for a killer opening goal and it gave them the slender advantage at the break 1-3 to 0-4. Points from Ciara McAnespie and Niamh Kindlon (2) after the resumption gave Monaghan the lead. The sides traded points and with 20 minutes remaining they were level. Disaster struck again with the second goal coming from the penalty spot. Monaghan did respond again and got themselves back to within a point but the experience of Cork held out and they added a point to leave two between them at the hooter. Heartbreaking scenes could be seen on the field and among the large Monaghan following after the game they could have and possibly should have won. They will learn and take experience from it and hopefully build on it ahead of next year and return on finals day to get their reward their efforts and commitment deserve.
Team (v Cork): Linda Martin, Grainne McNally, Sharon Courtney, Christina Reilly, Aoife McAnespie, Nicola Fahy, Lavina Connolly, Amanda Casey, Cora Courtney, Therese McNally, Ellen McCarron(0-2), Catriona McConnell (0-3, 2f), Ciara McAnespie (0-1), Niamh Kindlon (0-3, 2f), Caoimhe Mohan (0-1).
Subs used: Laura McEneaney (0-1), Isobel Kierans, Eileen McElroy.
All Stars
Monaghan received ten All Star nominations with the McNally sister Grainne and Therese, the McAnespie twins Ciara and Aoife, all from the Emyvale club joined by the Courtney sisters Sharon and Cora from Donaghmoyne and club mates Amanda Casey and Cathriona McConnell, Magheracloone's Christina Reilly and Truagh star Caoimhe Mohan.
At the banquest held in the City West Hotel on November 12 the Oriel girls were awarded four accolades. There was a first for Grainne and Therese McNally while both Sharon Courtney and Ciara McAnespie picked up their second All Stars.
For the first time ever there was also a Player of the Year award with Sharon Courtney also short listed along with Cork duo Breige Corkery and Juliet Murphy who was the recipient on the night. Tweet
