Ballyboden denied by a controversial decision

WOMEN'S FOOTBALL: Donaghmoyne of Monaghan yesterday secured a place in their first All-Ireland Senior football final, but their opponents remain unknown after a controversial draw between Ballyboden St Enda's and Donoughmore.

Three-in-a-row county champions Donaghmoyne used home advantage to chalk up a famous win over Galway's St Brendan's, 2-7 to 0-9.

However, the other semi-final finished level after extra-time after home side Donoughmore scored a contentious last-gasp free to force a replay against All-Ireland club champions Ballyboden, 1-10 to 2-7.

Cork and Munster champions Donoughmore were always chasing the game, but were only a point adrift with seconds remaining. They were awarded a free and county star Mary O'Connor decided to take it.

One of the umpires waved her effort wide, but the referee appeared to instruct the other umpire to raise the white flag which meant the sides were level once again. The final whistle sounded moments later - much to the obvious annoyance of Ballyboden players and supporters.

CAMOGIE: Tipperary champions Cashel drew 1-13 to 3-7 with Davitts of Galway in the All-Ireland senior semi-final at Tynagh yesterday - while St Lachtain' of Freshford, Kilkenny overcame a strong challenge from visitors, Rossa of Antrim, 4-14 to 2-9, in the other tie.

Cashel, who like Davitts have never won the Bill O'Carroll Cup, thought they had done enough to edge nearer their dream, but Davitts had other ideas.

With Cashel winning - 1-13 to 2-7 - and only a minute of ordinary time remaining, the ball was cleared from the Davitts back line and Lourda Kavanagh caught the sliotar in the other forward line. Stepping out very quickly to angle herself better, she struck goalwards. The sliotar rocked the Cashel net. Referee Aileen Lawlor allowed the puck out, but time was against both sides and thus they must do it all over again.

In the other semi-final, the scoreline flattered the reigning All-Ireland champions as, with seven minutes to go, the Kilkenny side were only four points to the good - 2-12 to Rossa's 2-8.