A goal by Tyrone captain Lisa McGirr three minutes into the second half was the score that ultimately separated the sides at the end of this first Ulster women's senior final, played in ideal conditions in Clones yesterday.
Monaghan, who had previously won National League and All-Ireland honours, got off to a great start with a goal by Eileen McElvaney after just three minutes, helping to settle the early nerves; while Tyrone made life difficult for themselves with a series of missed chances.
In the second quarter Monaghan continued to shade the outfield exchanges; but Tyrone were now growing in confidence with Allstar full forward Ailish Gormley exerting an increasing influence. Gormley went on to stamp her authority on the game with a strong finish to the first half that saw her hit an unanswered 1-3 points to send the sides in level at the break at 1-5 apiece.
Tyrone got off to a blistering start to the second half with a brilliant solo goal from McGirr setting up a dominant third quarter.
Tyrone: H Boyle; A McCloskey, M Kelly, M Doyle; C McGarvey, S McGarvey, L Donnelly (0-1); C Strain, L McGirr (1-0); D Hughes, L Hughes (0-3), S McGirr; C Kelly, E Gormley (1- 7), C Fox. Sub: K Murphy for D Hughes.
Monaghan: M Gray; D Toal, Anita O'Reilly, Audrey O'Reilly; C Reilly, B McAnespie, M Croarkin; J Greenan, C Brady; M Kierans (0-1), U Rooney (0-1), N Kindlon (0-6); A Tierney (0-1), D Dempsey, E McElvaney (1-0). Subs: J Treanor for C Reilly; E Byrne (0-2) for E McElvaney; B McGinn for D Toal; C McGuinness for U Rooney.
Referee: L Beattie (Fermanagh).
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