A blistering second half display in Bennetsbridge saw Thomastown ladies claim their first senior football championship title, when they defeated reigning champions Freshford last week.
It was a case of fourth time lucky for Thomastown, who suffered at the hands of Railyard in three consecutive finals. But a semifinal win over the former champions saw the Grennan girls firmly installed as favourites to claim the title. Freshford came through a tough semifinal against Muckalee, and the champions were determined to hold on to their crown. They dominated the first half with a powerful display, which saw them hold a 1-4 to 0-1 lead at the interval.
Despite trailing at the break, Thomastown had begun to settle and emerged determined for the second half. Jenny Reddy started the fightback with a goal after five minutes before adding her second goal and a point on 10 minutes to put Thomastown ahead 2-2 to 1-4.
Lisa Carey put two points between the sides but Yvonne McGrath pointed for Freshford to leave the minimum gap midway through the half. Freshford pressed to get back on level terms but the Thomastown defence stood strong and with 10 minutes left Thomastown slowly turned the screw with points from Sally Teehan and Niamh Donnelly.
With five minutes to go, Jenny Reddy hit the net for a third time to put her side 3-5 to 1-5 ahead, and in sight of the finishing line. The champions threw everything at Thomastown, but a rejuvenated second half display saw Thomastown crowned senior champions for the first time.
