Mairead Farrell's too much for Tir na nOg in Ladies Final

Final: Tir na nOg 3-7 Mairead Farrells Philadelphia 3-9


Tir na nOg suffered a tough loss in the Ladies Senior Football Final against a sharp Mariead Farrell’s side from Philadelphia. Tir na nOg had a long layoff since winning the Boston championship, while Farrell’s had a competitive semi-final on Saturday versus the local Fog City Harps team. The Boston side looked dead and buried with 5 minutes to go, but two late goals gave hope, however, there was not to be a winner for the Boston team and Farrell’s celebrated their second championship in a row.

Tir na nOg almost pulled off an incredible comeback but fell just short in the end.

Farrell’s got off to the better start. Adele Gallagher pointed a free to get things going. Natalia Hyland leveled for Tir na nOg as the Boston ladies looked to get into the game. With Tir na nOg on the attack and looking like they were beginning to put their stamp on the game, Farrell’s struck with a breakaway goal. Ciara Moore was the scorer after the Philadelphia side swept up the field. The Boston side continued to work their way into the game and put two well worked points over the bar. Mairead Luttrel and Natalia Hyland were prominent in the efforts Tir na nOg. The Philly side then hit with goal number two. This time it was a well worked score with the opening created by some slick handpassing. As Tir na nOg tried to put the setbacks behind them, and worked hard to keep the scoreboard ticking over, Philly displayed some very good football with the Fegan twins from County Down instrumental in many of their moves. At the break the team from Philly led by a score of 2-4 to 0-5.

Things did not get any better for the Boston girls in the second half. Having opened with the first score Tir na nOg could not make a dent in the deficit. There was great work from the Boston team to try and turn the game around, but to no avail. The opposing girls were quicker to the ball and when Tir na nOg scored, Philly had an answer. After adding a point to their lead, Philly hit with goal number three. A high ball into the box was picked up by Sabrina Moore and the corner forward took her chance well. Points were added by Orla Fegan and Moore and entering the final 10 minutes Philly led by 11 points. Tir na nOg had some life left in them and were by no means out of ammo. The Boston side pushed hard and were rewarded with a goal from Jenny Murphy. Time still ticking away and Paula McGrath netted a second – five points in it and injury time. Incredibly Tir na nOg scored a third goal to reduce the gap to 2 points, could the impossible happen? It was not to be as Philly won possession and played out the clock to retain their NACB title. Disappointment for the Boston side, but credit must be taken for their never say die attitude. As for Mairead Farrell’s, the Philly side will be going for three-in-a-row on home soil next year.


Tir na nOg: L. Brick, T. Moran, S. Patterson, L. Fennell, M. Luttrell, S. Delahunty, H. Noonan, N. McEvoy, P. McGrath, N. Hyland, C. Nee, S. Bannon, J. Murphy. Mairead Farrells: D. DeBaldo, A. Sheilds, L. McGullion, B. McManus, N. McGowan, D. Johns, A. Gallagher, S. Fegan, S. O’Hara, O. Fegan, N. Walsh, S. Moore, C. Moore.


By Rory O'Donnell