Ciaran’s comeback confirms memorable senior ladies’ football championship debut

St. Ciaran’s marked their debut in the senior ladies’ football championship by snatching victory from the jaws of defeat against Boyle at Mulhern Park, Fuerty, on Sunday morning.

Boyle, who were crowned Division One League champions earlier this season, looked to be cruising to victory when they established a 2-13 to 2-6 lead with nine minutes remaining.

An effort from Sinead Glennon soon afterwards that cannoned back off the crossbar proved to be a turning point, and the home side made the most of their reprieve when Anna Murray and Hanora Brennan goaled inside a minute.

Natasha Regan managed to edge Boyle back in front but Ciaran’s continued to believe, and a point from Hollie Gavin was sandwiched between two points from Player of the Match Ciara Dowd — who contributed 1-9 to her team’s tally — to give their side a famous 4-11 to 2-15 triumph.

Aisling Feely was superb for Boyle, hitting 1-7, and was denied what could have been a winning goal at the death by a match-saving block from Rachel Fitzmaurice.

Defending champions Clann na nGael made a sluggish start before coming good to edge past Éire Óg 2-12 to 3-6 at O’Rourke Park, Castlerea.

The visitors trailed by 2-2 to 0-1 at the end of the first quarter, and when the home side added a third goal early in the second half, an upset was on the cards.

But Clann steadied the ship with goals from Shauna Bannon and Ciara Quinn to register an opening round win.

In the other game, St. Brigid’s defeated St. Dominic’s by 3-15 to 1-12 in Kiltoom, thanks to goals from Marion Nolan, Áine O’Brien and Sarah O’Rourke.

*Match report from St. Ciaran’s v Boyle alongside a round-up of the weekend's remaining ladies’ championship action in Tuesday’s Roscommon Herald