Cavan 4-13 
Monaghan 1-20 (AET)

Two goals in the first period of extra time from Niamh Mc Corry proved to be the winning scores in an enthralling Ulster Intermediate final on Saturday evening.

Holders Cavan looked to have retained their title in normal time before a late goal from Caoimhe Ward forced the extra time and the large crowd certainly got their money’s worth.

Cavan opened a two-point lead with scores from Ellie Sheridan and Mc Corry. A couple of frees from Chloe Mc Bride levelled matters and then a point from midfielder Muireann Atkinson put the Farney girls in front. The lead didn’t last long as Breffni wing back Sinead Green finished a super run with a goal. Matters then got worse for Monaghan as Muireann Cusack’s speculative effort ended up in the net via the crossbar. Another point from Mc Crory gave Cavan a 6-point lead going into the second quarter.

Ellie Sheridan and Sarah Tierney then traded points. A Emma Mc Intyre effort put seven between the sides however Monaghan had the last say of the half. Chloe Mc Bride fired over a free and another point from Amy Garland left the midway score Cavan 2-5 Monaghan 0-8.

Aisling Sheridan hit the first score of the second half. Amy Jo Kierans and Ellie Sheridan then exchanged points. With seven minutes gone in the half Monaghan were dealt a blow, with Maeve Monaghan receiving a yellow card. With Monaghan down a player Cavan went for the jugular. Niamh Keenaghan fired over a couple of points but Monaghan to their credit didn’t panic and Keenaghan’s scores were wiped out with points from Lauren Garlan and Niamh Flanagan.

The introduction of Leanne Maguire had a very positive effect on Monaghan. The experienced Magheracloone star hit three unanswered points to leave just two between the sides. With 3-31 left on the clock livewire defender Sinead Green popped up to score a point and leave three in it. Monaghan had to drive forward and that they did. With just 2 minutes remaining substitute Caoimhe Ward scored the all-important goal to give Monaghan a draw and send the tie to extra time. Full time score Cavan 2-11 Monaghan 1-14.

In the first period of extra time Monaghan struck first through Eabha Sherry who just hours earlier had legged it from Maynooth after sitting a college exam. The Breffni girls then had a small purple patch which was the winning of the game. Niamh Mc Corry found the back of the net twice and Ellie Sheridan added her fifth point. Casey Treanor did point for Monaghan but after the first ten minutes of extra time Cavan led by five points  4-12 to 1-16.

Monaghan dominated the second period of extra time. Maguire added another three points while midfielder Flanagan double her personal tally. All that Cavan could manage was a single point from Ellie Sheridan however when the hooter went the Breffni side had two points to spare, winning 4-13 to 1-20. Zara Fay was named player of the match by the press in attendance.

Cavan – E. Baugh, Z. Fay, S. Lynch, A. Kennedy, L. Crowe, E. McIntyre (0-1), S. Greene (1-1), M. Fitzpatrick, D. Lynch, K. McCormack, E. Sheridan (0-6), E. Brady, M. Cusack (0-1), A. Sheridan (0-1) and N. McCorry (2-2)

Subs Used – N. Keenaghan (0-2), C. Lynch, C. Mc Caffrey, K.Reilly and R. McLoughlin

Monaghan – O. Kelly, A. Loughman, A. Mc Quaid, K. Nolan, M. Monaghan, J. Duffy, A. Garland (0-1), M. Atkinson (0-1), N. Flanagan (0-2), C. Treanor (0-2), C. Courtney (0-1), A. McCormack, C. McBride (0-3), L. Garland (0-1) and S. Tierney (0-1)

Subs Used – A. Kierans, L. Maguire (0-6), C. Ward (1-0), E. Traynor, J. McQuillan, Erin Shannon and D. Cawley

Referee – G. Finnegan (Down)

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