Na Dunaibh came up trumps once again when it really mattered in Ulster JFC final

Denise Doherty scored the crucial goal that was the game-changer for Na Dunaibh in Saturday’s Ulster final against Warrenpoint from Down, in Kildress, Tyrone.

It was the elusive corner forward’s fourth goal in three games in Ulster and 11th in all since Na Dunaibh set out on the championship journey back at the beginning of August.

Saturday’s green flag came just five minutes in the new half was a huge factor in a low-scoring game. It extended Na Dunaibh’s lead out to five points after going in at half-time two ahead of the Mourne champions.

And gave Barney Curran’s team the breathing space to soak up and absorb what was relentless second-half Warrenpoint pressure. 

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“It was good to get the goal and it did give us a bit of a cushion but I should have scored one or two more, “ said Doherty afterwards.

“Space was hard to find out there and they had a very tight marking defence. Warrenpoint are a very good team and were well set up.We were lucky to get out of here with the win. 

“It is the lowest-scoring game we had all year. Scores were just hard to come by and we had to work really hard for them all. 

“But that is what you expect the further on you go in the championship. Any team that gets to an Ulster final is going to be a good team.” 

Doherty, along with Shannon McGroddy and Lauren McBride, have been in the team from day one since the Downings ladies first took the field back in 2017.

“It has been a long, hard road. Up to this year, a junior B championship was the only championship we had won.  

“And now we have won a first Donegal and a first Ulster championship. It is unreal and hard to take in. We are far from an overnight success and hopefully it continues for a little while longer.”