Ulter JFC heartbreak for Naomh Columba away to Killeevan Sarsfields

Naomh Columba came up agonisingly short in this Ulster JFC opener away to Monaghan champions Killeevan on a wintry Saturday afternoon.

The Farney girls got off to a strong start, registering 1-1 in the opening seven minutes thanks to a goal and a point from Aoibhe Lynch. 

The visitors settled soon after, with a free from Niamh Boyle and a point from play by Kate Byrne. 

A free from Karyn McGinn was cancelled out by another Boyle free before two more points from McGinn stretched Killeevan’s lead. 

Clare Byrne added a point from play for Naomh Columba before Killeevan were awarded a penalty, but Macayla Greenan dragged her shot wide to the left.

At half-time, the score stood at Killeevan Sarsfields 1-4, Naomh Columba 0-4.

The second half began with a Grace Gallagher point from play for Naomh Columba, followed by a McGinn free for Killeevan. 

Niamh Boyle then landed a brace of points for the Donegal side before Aine Deery received a yellow card. 

However, during this phase, two quickfire goals from Emma McKeown proved crucial for the home side and looked to have put the game beyond reach.

Naomh Columba refused to give in. Boyle converted a free before Laura Boyle added a fine point from play with five minutes remaining. 

With three minutes of normal time left, Naomh Columba were awarded a penalty, which Niamh Boyle coolly dispatched to the net. She followed it up with another point from play as the visitors pressed hard in a frantic finish.

Erin Crudden picked up a yellow card in stoppage time, but Killeevan Sarsfields held firm to secure the win at the final whistle.

Killeevan Sarsfields scorers: Emma McKeown 2-0, Aoibhe Lynch 1-1, Karyn McGinn 0-4, 2f.

Naomh Columba scorers: Niamh Boyle 1-6, 1P, 4f, Clare Byrne, Grace Gallagher and Laura Boyle 0-1 each.

Killeevan Sarsfields: Katie McGuire; Erin Crudden, Macayla Greenan, Jenny Freeman; Moya Sheerin, Leigha McDermott, Caitlin Connolly; Katlyn Greenan, Emma Conley; Aoibhe Lynch, Emily Dawes, Jane Nic Fhinn; Aine Deery, Karyn McGinn, Emma McKeown.

Naomh Columba: Clodagh Ellis; Sienna Rose Campbell-Brooks, Jasmine Byrne, Sara Curran; Laura Boyle, Louise Doherty, Leeza Cunningham; Kate Byrne, Allanah Boyle; Aoibhe Curran, Niamh Boyle, Ailbhe Doherty; Grace Gallagher, Clare Byrne, Laoise McGinley.

Referee: Declan Carolan (Armagh)