Kilkerrin-Clonberne delivered a record equalling eighth consecutive AIB Connacht senior club championship in Castlerea writes Darren Kelly.
Three goals shared between the Noone sisters, Eve and Lynsey saw them run out comfortable winners.
Player-of-the-match Eva Noone got the first green flag on 12 minutes before setting up Lynsey for a second nine minutes later. Lynsey profited from a turnover to send the third into the net on the three quarter mark.
Whereas. it was Brigid’s first provincial final appearance since 2012 and their efforts were better than the final scoreline suggested.
Indeed, Kilkerrin-Clonberne raced into a 0-4 to 0-0 lead after seven minutes. Niamh Divilly, Louise Ward, Chloe Miskell and Eva Noone on target. Kate Nolan got St. Brigid’s first from a ninth minute free.
However, the Galway champions gained a cushion after another point; Eva Noone finished a four-player move, started by Chloe Costello’s interception, for the first goal.
Whereas, a Miskell point made it 1-6 to 0-1 on 13 minutes.
The teams shared the next six scores evenly with sisters Marian and Kate Nolan (2) contributing the St. Brigid’s scores.
After points from the three Divillys (Niamh, Siobhán and Olivia), a rebound off the upright led to Eva passing across for Lynsey’s first goal.
Indeed, Kilkerrin-Clonberne led 2-11 to 0-7 at half-time as Eva Noone and Miskell contributed points.
Kilkerrin-Clonberne claim another Connacht title
St. Brigid’s keeper Caoimhe O’Reilly also delivered two great saves but they finished positively through Kate and Marian Nolan, and Ciara Walsh points.
Whereas, Niall Mackey’s team needed a strong third-quarter but the first three scores went against them thanks to Eva Noone, Miskell and Niamh Divilly.
Indeed, Claire Grehan, an All-Ireland junior winner with Roscommon in 2001, ended St. Brigid’s drought on 38 minutes.
However, Kate Nolan added a 44th minute free as the green and red trailed 2-16 to 0-9, with Eva and Lynsey Noone registering for Kilkerrin-Clonberne. Brigid’s wouldn’t score again.
After O’Reilly’s restart was won by Siobhán Divilly on 45 minutes. Divilly fed Lynsey Noone who lobbed the keeper for Kilkerrin-Clonberne’s third goal.
A 10th provincial crown was secure and they finished with three Eva Noone scores along with Olivia Divilly and Miskell to set up an All-Ireland semi-final meeting with Waterford’s Comeragh Rangers.
Kilkerrin-Clonberne: L Murphy; L Finnegan, S Gormally, K Mee; C Costello, N Ward, N Divilly; L Ward, S Divilly; O Divilly, H Noone, Aisling Madden; E Noone, C Miskell, L Noone.
Subs: E Hynes for Costello (45), A Shaughnessy for L Noone (50), S Fahy for Finnegan (50), C Boyle for S Divilly (55), Aoibhinn Madden for Mee (55).
Scorers: E Noone (1-8, 3f); L Noone 2-1; C Miskell (0-5, 0-1pen); N Divilly 0-3; O Divilly 0-2; L Ward, S Divilly 0-1 each.
St. Brigid’s: C O’Reilly; S Francis, K Sammon, A Minnock; A Lennon, A McGrath, S O’Hara; R Lennon, A Curran; C Grehan, M Nolan, C Walsh; A Nugent, K Nolan, S O’Rourke.
Subs: L Sheffield for Walsh (46), J Hughes for Francis (50).
Scorers: K Nolan 0-5 (5f); M Nolan 0-2; C Grehan, C Walsh 0-1 each.
Referee: G Chapman (Sligo).
