AIB Senior Club Championship Semi-Finals – Day 2
After a super Sunday of football the results are in!!
Intermediate Semi-Final Match Report
AIB Munster LGFA Club Intermediate Championship Semi-Final
Moycarkey-Borris 2-9 (15) – Naomh Abán 2-15 (21)
Naomh Abán advanced to the AIB Munster LGFA Club Intermediate Championship Final after an impressive second-half surge saw them overcome Moycarkey-Borris by six points in an entertaining and hard-fought semi-final encounter on Sunday afternoon.
The game, played at a brisk pace from the throw-in, saw both sides trade scores throughout an evenly contested first half that ended level at 1-8 apiece. Early on, Naomh Abán’s Annie Ní Mheachair opened the scoring with a fine point from play, but Moycarkey-Borris soon found their rhythm. Aoife Shelly and Emma O’Sullivan combined beautifully in attack, with O’Sullivan’s 7th-minute goal giving the Tipperary side an early edge.
Naomh Abán responded with determination, led by the sharp shooting of Roisín Ní Liathain and Lydia Ní Dhonnacha, who both found their range to keep the scoreboard ticking. A late first-half goal from Ní Dhonnacha brought the Cork outfit right back into contention, sending the sides in level at the break — Moycarkey-Borris 1-8, Naomh Abán 1-8.
The second half, however, belonged to Naomh Abán. Ní Liathain was in scintillating form, opening the half with a point from play and continuing to cause problems for the Moycarkey defence. Despite a brilliant 18th-minute goal from Emma O’Sullivan — her second of the day — that briefly lifted the Tipperary champions, Naomh Abán’s composure and fitness told in the final quarter.
Roisín Ní Liathain capped a superb individual display with a goal of her own in the 26th minute, restoring Naomh Abán’s momentum. Lydia Ní Dhonnacha remained reliable from placed balls, while Gráinne Ní Luasa and Grace Ní Mhurchú added crucial points from play as the Cork side pulled clear.
Moycarkey-Borris battled bravely to the final whistle, with substitute Lucy Callanan and the Shelly sisters working tirelessly in attack, but they were unable to close the gap as Naomh Abán’s defence stood firm. A late free from Ní Dhonnacha and another point from Ní Liathain sealed the victory.
Naomh Abán’s blend of experience, accuracy, and attacking flair proved decisive, earning them a deserved place in the Munster final. For Moycarkey-Borris, there were positives aplenty — particularly in the performances of Emma O’Sullivan and Aoife Shelly — but they will rue missed chances and the momentum swing in the second half.
Scorers:
Naomh Abán: R. Ní Liathain 1-5, L. Ní Dhonnacha 1-3 (2f), G. Ní Luasa 0-1, A. Ní Mheachair 0-1, G. Ní Mhurchú 0-1, R. Ní Chorcora 0-1, C. Ní Mhocháin 0-1
Moycarkey-Borris: E. O’Sullivan 2-3, A. Shelly 0-3, C. Shelly 0-2, L. Callanan 0-1
Half-time: Moycarkey-Borris 1-8, Naomh Abán 1-8
Full-time: Moycarkey-Borris 2-9, Naomh Abán 2-15
