Two out of the three finals in Ulster this weekend ended in one point victories with the senior final going to extra-time.
Armagh are the Ulster Senior Champions after a one point win over Donegal in a thrilling final that went to extra-time. Niamh Reel with the winning point with just one minute of the game remaining.
Down held off a Monaghan comeback to claim the Intermediate title this afternoon. The Mourne County were leading by four with six minutes remaining but three Monaghan points cut the gap to one but Down held on.
Fermanagh won the Junior title for the first time in eight years. They had a comprehensive win over Derry on Saturday. Their performance sent out a signal of intent for the All-Ireland Junior title.
Ulster Senior Championship Final
Armagh 0-17 Donegal 1-13
Niamh Reel scored the winning point as Armagh reclaimed the Ulster Senior title with a one point win over holders Donegal, after extra-time.
In a tight opening half, Armagh held a one point lead at half-time in normal time. The Orchard County were four ahead twice in the second half but credit to Donegal they fought back. A goal from Katy Herron and a pointed free from Suzanne White brought the game to extra-time.
After the first half of extra-time the sides were level again. The lead changed in the second half and with time running out it was a drawn game. Donegal’s Roisin Rodgers was sin binned near the end. With one minute remaining Reel popped up with the winning score.
Ulster Intermediate Championship Final
Down 2-09 Monaghan 0-14
Down had to withstand a comeback from Monaghan as they claimed the Ulster Intermediate title with a narrow one point win in Clones.
With six minutes remaining Down were four points ahead but three points from Chloe McBride (one) free left for a nervy finish but the Mourne County were able to hang on for the win..
Down held a seven point lead at the break – Eimear Fitzpatrick with the goal in the 12th minute for Down. Niamh King scored a goal at the start of the second half to extend the lead to 10 points. Credit to Monaghan they fought hard to get back into the game but fell short in the end.
Ulster Junior Championship Final
Fermanagh 6-14 Derry 0-10
Fermanagh were superb as they claimed the Ulster Junior title for the first time since 2016. Derry had no real answer to them.
The Erne County held a 14 point lead at the break thanks to goals in that half from Blaithin Bogue, Eimera Smyth and Aoife McCabe. McCabe scored 1-02 of her side’s 3-09 in that opening half.
Just one minute had gone in the second half when Fermanagh grabbed a fourth goal through
Lisa Maguire. McCabe got her second goal of the game in the 43rd minute when Smyth rounded off an excellent win with her second goal and her county’s sixth two minutes from the end of normal time.
Deniese O'Flaherty
Deniese is a freelance sports journalist/broadcaster. She has worked for several local and national media outlets. GAA and soccer are her great loves and she also follows rugby league and snooker. She's a big supporter of her local clubs St. Mary's GAA Granard and Longford Town. She also follows Celtic, Liverpool and Leeds Rhinos. She presented and produced a popular sports podcast last year where she interviewed Ray Houghton, Chris Kamara and John Hartson. Deniese is currently Head of Communications for Boccia Ireland