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

Wexford Hurlers Win First NACB Junior Title

Final: Wexford 3-13 Na Fianna San Francisco 2-7

Action from the Junior A Final.

Wexford’s journey to their first junior hurling title was not without its bumps. At first it seemed as if the journey to San Francisco was all for nothing after the team was disqualified for showing up late on Saturday morning for an 8:00am start, but the Slaneysiders were given a reprieve and a game Sunday morning against Toronto. Wexford took their second chance and came away with a comfortable win by a score of 3-20 to 1-10. The Wexford boys then had to gather themselves for a 12:00 final against local side, Na Fianna. Wexford survived both battles to emerge victorious with a few players limping through the final stages of the final. Steven Corcoran was invaluable at corner forward, his speed an accuracy caused problems for Na Fianna, while at the back Peter Nolan, Denis Brennan, Ronan Shaughnessy and James Brennan were solid.

The first half of the final saw Wexford pull away into a lead that they retained for the rest of the game. Not that things were comfortable all the way through. Corcoran was the man to put the first few points over the bar, and a goal after 10 minutes settled Wexford. Na Fianna managed two points and when in attack looked dangerous if given the space. Wexford worked hard and showed composure when clearing from defence however. With the Boston side leading by 1-6 to 0-4 Na Fianna propelled themselves right back into the game with a goal from a ball down the middle and over the top. Andy Shore in goal got a stick to it but the ball ended up in the roof of the net. Wexford answered by finishing the half strongly and netted twice. The first came from Tony Murphy. Corcoran provided the assist, and a minute later put one away for himself. At the break Wexford looked to be in a commanding lead, 3-6 to 1-5.

Wexford Celebrate the NACB Junior A Hurling Championship.

The second half was not quite as comfortable for Wexford. Playing their second game in the space of three hours, there were a few players hobbling. Na Fianna enjoyed plenty of possession and on a few occasions threatened the Wexford goal. Wexford made good use of the outlets available in the forward line. Peter Ryan, Murphy, and Corcoran accounted for points to keep Wexford’s noses ahead. Mid-way through the half Na Fianna scrambled a goal to bring them within six points, but that was the last score of the game for them. Shore made one fine save and Wexford fell back to hassle and harry. With Wexford looking very tired Corcoran popped up for a beautiful score to give the Bostonside a boost. The game ended with Wexford points from Corcoran and Moloney to lift their first North American junior trophy.


Wexford: R. Leydon, P. Nolan, D. Brennan, R. Shaughnessy, A. Shore, J. Brennan, S. White, T. Moloney, D. Reddin, C. McArdle, P. McArdle, T. Murphy, S. Corcoran.


By Rory O'Donnell

NACB FINALS - SATURDAY UPDATE

There will be seven of the nine teams from the Boston Northeast Board in action tomorrow in the finals:
Senior Football:  Aidan McAnespies beat Sean Treacy's San Fran 3-8 to 0-6 in today's semi-final and will play Parnells Chicago in the final tomorrow.
Senior Hurling:  Galway defeated Vancouver 0-17 to 0-13 and will play Na Fianna San Fran in tomorrow's final.
Ladies Senior Football:  Tir na nOg will contest the Ladies Senior Football final with a bye.
Senior Camogie:  Eire Og will play St. Mary's Chicago in tomorrow's final.
Junior C Hurling:  Barley House Wolves play in tomorrow's final.


Sylvie Og Lennane under the ball for Galway.



Junior A Hurling:  Wexford get a second chance and will play their semifinal against Toronto at 8:00 tomorrow morning.  Should they win the final will be played later in the day.

All American Football:  The Boston All American team are in tomorrow's final thanks to a win over Chicago, 6-14 to 1-2.



Pre-game talk for the Wolves before their semi-final.



Rory O'Mahoney for the Wolves v Indy in the semi-final.



Ollie Guirke for Macs Junior B versus Pittsburgh.





Plunkett Kane for Macs versus Sean Treacy's.