NUI Galway’s senior ladies football team has booked its place in the O’Connor Cup finals in UL.
Nigel Concannon’s charges will travel to UL on the weekend of March 19/20 with confidence, having defeated a talented DCU outfit that was chasing three-in-a-row O’Connor Cup titles.
NUIG secured this vital victory by a single point in extra time, despite having taken a commanding 2-5 to 0-3 lead after 20 minutes.
Goals from Sinead Burke and Eilish Ward, as well as points from Natalie McHugh, Caoilfhionn Connolly and Edel Concannon set them on their way, but late in the first half DCU launched a comeback. A Fiona Mchale goal, a Cliodhna McHugh penalty, and points from Ciara McAnespie, Roisin O Keeffe and Ciara Reilly left the sides level at half time by 2-5 apiece.
The second half proved a high quality affair with some excellent scores and passages of play as the lead exchanged hands on several occasions. A well-taken Concannon point and a Ward free looked to have given the home team the win, only for Ellen McCarron to level matters and take the game into extra time.
DCU’s Ciara Hegarty’s point put the Dublin side in front and they looked to have control when they opened up a two-point lead. However an inspirational Maria Connell point, followed by a penalty taken by Ward, sealed the win for NUI Galway.
