GAA: LADIES SFC:HAVING LOST by nine points to Cork in the Munster final, Kerry reignited their All-Ireland aspirations with a relatively easy 2-10 to 0-5 win over Donegal in round two of the qualifiers at Birr on Saturday.
An early goal from Louise Galvin set the Kingdom on their way, and a second was added fortuitously as Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh’s long-range free crept in for a 2-6 to 0-4 half-time lead.
Excellent defending and good shooting from Ní Mhuircheartaigh in the second half ensured Donegal never got a chance to get back into contention, leaving Kerry manager William O’Sullivan pleased afterwards and now looking forward to a quarter-final clash with Connacht champions Mayo.
“We came up to get a result and we got it, that was all that mattered today,” he said.
“We came in a little unsure of where we were but we gave a reasonably good display, the backs were outstanding, we’ve a little bit of work to do from midfield up.
“It was a slight improvement on the Munster final, we looked for it and we got it. Mayo in the quarter-final will be tough, they’re a good outfit, we only beat them by a point last year and they’re obviously peaking at the right time.”
Reigning All-Ireland champions Dublin also booked their place in the last eight, where they will play their predecessors Cork. The Dubs were always too good for Galway in the first game at Birr. Amy Ring’s early goal and points from Sinéad Aherne putting them 1-6 to 0-2 ahead before Edel Concannon gave Galway hope before half-time; Aoibheann Daly’s early second-half point leaving just three in it.
That was as close as they came, though, Amy Ring plundering two Dublin goals to ensure Dora Gorman’s late green flag for Galway was academic.
Meanwhile, in the other qualifiers there were wins for Meath and Tyrone. The Royal County enjoyed a 3-27 to 0-5 victory over Sligo in Ballymahon, having led by 2-16 to 0-2 at half-time. Elaine Duffy scored 1-7 for Meath, Geraldine Doherty got 1-6 and Katie O’Brien bagged 1-4. Noelle Gormley was Sligo’s top scorer with two points. Meath now face Ulster champions Monaghan in the quarter-finals.
Tyrone were 2-20 to 1-11 victors over Tipperary in The Downs in Westmeath, pulling away in the second half after leading by 0-10 to 0-5 at the interval. Early second-half goals from Gemma Begley and Cathy Donnelly opened up a cushion, Begley finishing with 1-6, while Caitriona McGahan also impressed. Tipp did produce a late rally, sub Edel Hanley scoring a goal, but it was never going to be enough, Tyrone advancing to a last-eight clash with Laois.
