Milford ladies gave an excellent performance to win the All Ireland Intermediate Gaeltacht for the first time with this most impressive display in Downings.
Milford 3-9 Lettermore 1-8
Milford’s ability to take their chances was the difference between the teams in the first- half and that helped them to a half-time lead of 2-05 to 1-02.
Bronagh Durning and Theresa McConnell kicked over early points for Milford before Riona Flaherty got Lettermore’s first score in the 7th minute. Niamh Carr put Milford two ahead again but Ciara Hogan quickly replied.
An excellent Milford move in the 12th minute was finished off in super style when Leanne Boyce hammered the ball to the net for the game’s opening goal to make it 1-03 to 0-02 in Milford’s favour.
Niamh Carr added a point but Lettermore’ hit back with a goal immediately, Riona Flaherty taking advantage of some poor defending to slot home and leave just two between them at 1-04 to 1-02.
It was ten minutes before we had the next score and it was an important one as Milford added another goal.
The build up was good and so was Megan Ryan’s finish as she blasted past keeper Lee. Theresa McConnell added a point to leave it 2-05 to 1-02 at the break.
Any hopes of a Lettermore comeback were more or less ended in the third minute of the second-half with a third Milford goal.
Leanne Boyce got behind the defence and although she spelled the ball onto the ground she showed great footwork to round the keeper and slot home, 3-05 to 1-02 and Milford in control.
Riona Flaherty replied with a point but Megan Ryan and Caoimhe Barrett added Milford points as they were in cruise control in all areas.
Lettermore were awarded a penalty in the 47th minute when Ciara Hogan was fouled but Philomena Flaherty blasted it over the bar. The same player added another point but Caoimhe Barrett kicked another fine point to keep nine between them at 3-08 to 1-05.
Riona Flaherty added to her total with another good score but sub Aishlinn Mc Bride matched that with an excellent score, and in injury time Flaherty added another.
Milford: Danielle Friel, Gemma McGroarty, Aoife Gallagher, Maire Afxentiou, Bronagh Durnion (0-1), Orla Harrison, Aisling Irwin, Taylor Doherty, Megan Ryan (0-1), Megan Ferry (1-0), Caoimhe Barrett (0-2), Niamh Carr (0-2), Donna Martin , Leanne Boyce (2-0), Theresa McConnell (0-2). Subs: Orla McAteer, Clare Murray, Aishlinn McBride (0-1), Sarah Doherty, Ashling McCormick .
