Aghamore deny their rivals with derby draw
Ballyhaunis midfielder Gerri Maye Henry has eyes only for the ball during last Sunday's crunch championship clash with Aghamore in Ballindine. Picture: Ballyhaunis LGFA/Facebook
A defiant comeback by Ballyhaunis to secure a draw against East Mayo rivals Aghamore was ultimately in vain on Sunday morning, as results elsewhere saw them exit the Mayo LGFA intermediate championship.
The draw for Aghamore was enough for the Red and White to top the group and secure a home semi-final next weekend but having led by nine points with 20 minutes to go, Aghamore will know much improvement is required if they are to reach a county final.
Louise Cassidy and Erin Higgins traded the opening points before Aghamore rifled home the first of nine green flags that would be raised in this absorbing contest. After another Louise Cassidy point put Aghamore in front, the restart saw Aghamore win the kickout and Siobhan Mooney set up her sister Niamh for her first major of the day.
Ballyhaunis would respond with two goals from Gemma Foody, coming from near-identical routes. Katie Madden’s point attempt dropped short and rebounded off the crossbar, and Foody was quickest to react to rifle home. Then, a Madden free dropped on the edge of the square and Foody’s quick instincts again saw another goal for Ballyhaunis to put them in front on 13 minutes.
At the other end, Ballyhaunis goalkeeper Aisling Tarpey denied Aoife Lilly with a fine stop, but she was helpless to prevent Lilly finding the net on 17 minutes. Aghamore turned over Ballyhaunis high up the field and despite Tarpery’s best effort, Lilly’s strike on goal had too much power and precision as it nestled into the bottom corner to put Aghamore back in front.
They would remain in front at the break, 2-5 to 2-3, thanks to two efforts from Lilly and a great point from Louise Cassidy. Ballyhaunis forward Katelyn O’Sullivan had two chances at goal late in the half, but goalkeeper Cassie Niland was on hand to deny both.
Aghamore got a dream start to the second-half when Louise Cassidy found the net after a brilliant individual effort and they followed it up with points from Fiona Duffy and Niamh Mooney.
Katelyn O’Sullivan stopped the rot for Ballyhaunis with a point but clever play between the Mooneys saw Mairead set up Niamh for Aghamore’s fourth goal on 40 minutes to make it 4-7 to 2-4.
Aghamore were in full control, but they were reduced to 14 players on 42 minutes for the next ten of the second-half when Cassidy was shown a yellow card. In that period, Ballyhaunis made it a three-point game thanks to goals from Erin Higgins and Katie Madden.
As additional time approached, Aoife Lilly’s point looked to be enough to secure Aghamore the win, but a minute into injury-time, Ballyhaunis were awarded a penalty and Katie Madden, who saw her spot kick saved, fired in the rebound. Madden then pointed a free with the final kick of the game to ensure a share of the spoils, but Moy Davitts’ win over Louisburgh sees the Moysiders reach the last four at the expense of Ballyhaunis, who now go into the shield.
Scorers – Aghamore: Niamh Mooney 2-0-1, Louise Cassidy and Aoife Lilly (1f) 1-0-3 each, Fiona Duffy 0-0-1.
Ballyhaunis: Gemma Foody 2-0-1, Katie Madden 1-0-2 (2f), Erin Higgins 1-0-1, Katelyn O’Sullivan 0-0-1.
Aghamore: Cassie Niland; Ciara Delaney, Shauna Finn, Aoife Doherty; Ella Mulkeen, Rachel Lyons, Niamh Duffy; Mairead Mooney, Meabh Delaney; Niamh Mooney, Siobhan Mooney, Fiona Duffy; Louise Cassidy, Aoife Lilly, Caoimhe Delaney. Sub: Louise Greally (for S Mooney 46-inj).
Ballyhaunis: Aisling Tarpey; Orla Smith, Mae Hession, Ava Neary; Marina Carney, Chloe Ryan, Eva Henry; Aibhinn Herr, Gerri Maye Henry; Erin Higgins, Katie Madden, Leah Johnston; Leah Finnegan, Katelyn O’Sullivan, Gemma Foody. Subs: Sinead O’Neill (for GM Henry 35), Niamh O’Neill (for O’Sullivan 40).
REF: Sean O’Neill (Balla)
*After the game, Aghamore captain Mairead Mooney presented a bouquet of flowers to Ballyhaunis captain Marina Cawley as a tribute following the tragic passing of Eoin Doyle. This was the first competitive game for Ballyhaunis GAA and LGFA Club since Eoin was killed in a rail accident on Thursday, September 3.
