Fenagh take chance in last chance saloon

Firmly in the 'last chance saloon', Fenagh grabbed that chance with both hands after they held off a strong St Brigid's challenge in the Sweeney Oil LGFA Intermediate Championship clash last Sunday in Pairc Sean O'Laodain.

In their last game in the group stages, Fenagh simply had to beat St Brigid's or else they would be relegated back to the junior ranks after a series of excellent but ultimately heartbreaking displays.

Displaying quite a bit of self-belief, Fenagh overcame the concession of a goal to Leitrim star Siomha Quinn less than a minute into the contest as they gradually worked their way back into the game and when Ruth Wrynn fired to the net five minutes before halftime, they were on their way.

True to form, St Brigid's refused to go without a fight as they recovered from a four point deficit to draw level 17 minutes into the second, momentum behind them as they seemed poised for victory.

But just a minute later,  Fenagh put together a great length of the field move and sub Aisling Redican finished to the net, the score ultimately proving the match winning score as Fenagh withstood fierce Brigid's pressure down the home straight.

Fenagh have finished their programme and into the semi-finals thanks to their superior scoring difference, regardless of next Sunday's Mohill and St Brigid's clash - St Brigid's need a win to jump over Mohill who suffered a heavy defeat last Sunday at the hands of Drumkeerin.

Difficult to pick one with Ruth Wrynn, Roisin O'Toole, Siomha Quinn, Caoimhe Cullen, Lauren Donohue, Shauna McLoughlin, Dearbhla Gunn and Kayla Gill all impressing but for an amazing last gasp block, the nod goes to Rachel Smith as player of the match.

St Brigid's have been missing players but they came up against a Fenagh side who overcame a nervy start to take a deserved victory in a hard fought contest that went down to the wire.

The game opened in dramatic fashion with St Brigid's hitting a goal after just 40 seconds, good work releasing Siomha Quinn who cut through four defenders before firing to the net.

The score rattled Fenagh as they had three bad misses before Katie Guckian opened their account with a good point after eight minutes. That came after Roisin O'Toole missed a goal chance and there was drama at the other end when a misplaced Fenagh pass across the face of their own goal was almost tapped into the net by Lucy Mahon only for Rachel Smith to make an amazing block.

Ruth Wrynn got Fenagh's second after 15 minutes in a match of few chances but barely a few seconds later, Roisin O'Toole drove a hint of a goal chance over the bar to tie the scores. 

Fenagh were dominating but four wides on the trot were punished when Siomha Quinn converted a 20th minute free to put Brigid's back in front but almost immediately, Ruth Wrynn converted a free from distance to tie the scores before Aoife Conefrey put the home team in front for the first time.

The crucial score came after 24 minutes, Ruth Wrynn cutting in from the wing before planting a great shot in the far corner. The goal chances were coming at both ends - Sinead Holohan Beirne made a good save for Fenagh and Maeve Quinn stopped a Wrynn shot while Rachel McNiffe saw a shot blocked.

That left Fenagh 1-5 to 1-1 in front at the break but St Brigid's again started quickly, Siomha Quinn pointing as they threatened a goal. Quinn added a free on two minutes but Roisin O'Toole hit back five minutes later to give Fenagh some breathing room.

Dearbhla Gunn took off on a strong run and threatened a goal as he shot went over while Holohan Beirne made a great scrambling save from a Lindel Moran Brigid's shot that almost squirmed into the net. 

Brigid's had momentum and drew level with points from Caoimhe Cullen and Siomha Quinn but just as they did, Fenagh broke with a great move ended by a wonderful Aisling Redican goal on 48 minutes.

Ruth Wrynn gave Fenagh more room with a free but St Brigid's never stopped battling but all they had to show for their efforts was two frees from Siomha Quinn as Fenagh took the victory.

FENAGH

Scorers: Ruth Wrynn 1-3, 3f; Aisling Redican 1-0; Roisin O'Toole 0-2; Aoife Conefrey & Katie Guckian 0-1 each 

Team: Sinead Holohan Beirne, Leah Guckian, Claire Rowley, Rachel Smith, Avril Hargaden, Ciara Bohan, Shauna McLoughlin, Kate Conefrey, Kate Gilheany, Aoife Conefrey, Katie Guckian, Kayla Gill, Ruth Wrynn, Roisin O'Toole, Caoimhe McDermott. Subs: Aisling Redican for Bohan (37)  

ST BRIGID'S

Scorers: Siomha Quinn 1-6, 5f; Dearbhla Gunn & Caoimhe Cullen 0-1 each

Team: Maeve Quinn, Lauren Donohue, Edel Shanley, Niamh McBrien, Niamh McNiffe, Ciara Gaffney, Eadaoin McTeigue, Ciara McTeigue, Niamh Donegan, Rachel Dolan, Dearbhla Gunn, Lindel Moran, Siomha Quinn, Caoimhe Cullen, Lucy Mahon. Subs: Rachel McNiff for E McTeigue (19); Lainey Corrigan for Mahon (46); Aoibhinn Meehan

Referee: Martin Feeney