Caitlin Doherty nets hat-trick as Carndonagh win Ulster Women’s Cup

A hat-trick from Caitlin Doherty helped Carndonagh lift the Ulster FA Women’s Cup in emphatic fashion, defeating Bonagee United 4–1 in an entertaining final at Ballyare.

Bonagee started brightly, dominating the opening 15 minutes. Hannah Hopkins went close early on, firing a free kick just wide, while Orla Malseed forced a fine save from Carndonagh goalkeeper Bronagh Butler. 

Hopkins again threatened with a sweetly struck effort that sailed narrowly over the bar.

Despite Bonagee’s early pressure, it was Carndonagh who struck first. A long ball into the box from Ellie Long resulted in a handball, and Aoife McCarron made no mistake from the penalty spot to give her side the lead.

Bonagee almost hit back immediately. A pinpoint cross from Hannah Hopkins found Ellen Temple at the back post, but Carndonagh defender Jade Doherty produced a crucial goal-line clearance to keep her side ahead.

After the break, Carndonagh were awarded a second penalty following a foul on Caitlin Doherty. However, Bonagee keeper Niamh Mailey pulled off a brilliant double save—first denying the spot-kick and then reacting quickly to stop the rebound—to keep her team in the contest.

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But Carndonagh's pressure paid off with 25 minutes remaining, as Caitlin Doherty extended their lead with a composed finish.

Hannah Hopkins, a constant threat throughout for Bonagee, was finally rewarded for her persistence when she pulled one back with 18 minutes to go, giving her side hope of a comeback.

As Bonagee pushed forward in search of an equaliser, gaps began to appear at the back. With just five minutes remaining, Caitlin Doherty exploited the space, scoring twice in quick succession to complete her hat-trick and seal a famous victory for Carndonagh.