Monaghan’s sharp-shooters hit the target to ruin Donegal’s hopes!!

Ulster Minor Shield Semi-Final

Monaghan v Donegal

Braving the bitter wind, the Donegal played against Monaghan on Saturday 28th February in the Ulster Minor Shield Semi-Final. Donegal started strongly, in Cloghan, against the wind with a goal set-up by Emma Harkin and scored by Laura Browne in the 2nd minute. Monaghan had a free with an opportunity for a goal in the 3rd minute but this was saved by Lucy Murray, however Monaghan persisted and scored their first goal in the 4th minute. Donegal missed scoring chances from placed balls early on. Monaghan didn’t miss their opportunities and got their first point in the 8th minute. Monaghan’s Eimear McKenna added to their points in the 11th minute. Monaghan won a Donegal puck out and added their second goal.  Monaghan’s Chloe McGuigan scored a further point in the 19th minute. Emma Harkin was unlucky to miss a goal chance and the addition of Rachel Doherty to the Donegal backs didn’t stop Monaghan adding a further goal before half time.

The Donegal girls struggled to score after their early goal. However strong performances from Rebecca Lynch and Chloe Laverty helped bolster the team. Half time Monaghan 3-3 to Donegal 1-0. Laurence Doherty, Donegal Manager stated that Monaghan were the better side in this half.

After half time Donegal introduced Aine Gillespie and Eimear Toland. Despite the relentless rain, Donegal started strongly again with an early goal from Emma Harkin. Donegal were unfortunate to miss three frees in the next ten minutes. When Donegal’s Niamh Kenny and Aoibh Steele joined the game Donegal still had the upper hand but a further three score attempts were unsuccessful. In the 53rd minute Donegal’s Laura Browne added a point to her goal. In the last five minutes Monaghan had two scoring chances and succeeded both times adding two goals to their score. Rhianne McDermott got the last score of the game in the final minute.

Final score Monaghan 5-3 to Donegal 2-2.

Donegal management was pleased with the team’s second half performance in winning possession but disappointed with the lost scoring opportunities. Rebecca Lynch, Laura Browne and Rhianne McDermott stood out for Donegal. Monaghan’s Orlaith Maguire gave an outstanding performance. Monaghan Management stated that goal-keeping from Shauna McKeever was a major contribution to Monaghan’s worthy victory on a wet and cold February day.

Donegal – Niamh Doherty, Amy McGonigle, Chloe Laverty(Capt), Naomi Bradley, Lucy Murray, Orlaith Gillespie, Laoise McMenamin(Vice Capt), Maria Coyle, Rhianne McDermott, Karen Kelly, Laura Browne, Rebecca Lynch, Leanne Kelly, Emma Harkin, Amy Campbell, Eimear Toland, Niamh Kenny, Aoibh Steele, Aine Gillespie, Una Quinn, Caoimhe McWilliams, Rachel Doherty.

Monaghan – Arlene Leonard, Clodagh Duffy, Chloe McGuigan, Ciara Kelly, Cliona McDonal, Eileen Cullen, Emily Madden, Eimear McKenna, Jessica Cullen, Melinda McCague, Michelle Forde, Nicola Quinn, Niamh Kieran, Orlaith Maguire, Rioghnach Duffy, Rebecca Tressor, Shauna McKeever (Capt), Sinead Mohan, Siobhan McBennet, Sorcha McDonald, Sheena McKenna, Sioneen Morgan