Second-half surge secures crown for Dunboyne

They didn't make the best of starts, but Dunboyne finally found their form to win the Ladies SFC title for their first time ever defeating last year's champions Simonstown 0-15 to 0-10 at Trim today.

This turned out to be a highly entertaining encounter that swung one way, then the other, with Simonstown 0-10 to 0-6 in front at the break but unable to add to their account thereafter as Dunboyne took control.

Brendan Quinn's side were slow getting out of the blocks and trailed 0-1 to 0-6 after just eight minutes as Simonstown started like a steam train.

However displaying a massive work ethic it was inevitable Dunboyne would get a foothold and that's what they surely did, gradually but inexorably to finally overtake their opponents.

Simonstown's Kelsey Nesbitt was outstanding in the opening half capping her general display with four points while Kelly Harris, Niamh Lister, Niamh Cassidy, Jackie Shiels and Mollie Byrne also pointed for the Light Blues.

Dunboyne kept in touch mainly through the point-taking skills of Emma Duggan who hit four first-half points with Ali Jones and captain Fiona O'Neill others to slot over to keep their side in contention.

In the second-half and with the strong breeze behind them, Dunboyne really took control slotting over a series of points, three each from Duggan and O'Neill to lay the foundation for victory. Vikki Wall tagged on two in that second-half with Aoife Thompson also firing over.

All over the pitch Dunboyne had heroes who worked and battled for every ball and that attitude was to ultimately pay rich dividends.

They were left to savour a sweet victory with O'Neill praising all who contributed in any way to a memorable day for the club.

The organisation for the day from Meath Ladies GAA was exemplary with the increase in numbers able to attend adding considerable to a well-organised county final day that the Dunboyne players will never forget.

SCORERS

Dunboyne - Emma Duggan 0-7 four frees; Fiona O'Neill 0-4; Vikki Wall 0-2; Alison Jones 0-1; Michelle Claffy 0-1.

Simonstown - Kelsey Nesbitt 0-4 two frees; Kelly Harris 0-2; Mollie Byrne 0-1; Jackie Shiels 0-1; Niamh Cassidy 0-1; Niamh Lister 0-1.

TEAMS

Dunboyne - Alison O'Sullivan; Rachel McDermott, Elaine Doyle, Hannah Nelson; Niamh Williams, Sarah Wall, Annie Moffett; Saoirse Quinn, Alison Jones; Shelly Melia, Vikki Wall, Julie Kavanagh; Honor Hickey, Emma Duggan, Fiona O'Neill. Subs - Katie Bermingham for Nelson 46 mins, Aoife Thompson for Quinn 48m, Clare Barker for O'Neill 63m.

Simonstown - Nicole Byrne, Emma Cassidy, Katie Bellew, Aoife Farrell; Aisling Sheridan, Regina Hand, Niamh Sheridan; Aisling Cassidy, Niamh Lister; Lauryn Grier, Kelsey Nesbitt, Niamh Cassidy; Kelly Harris, Jackie Shiels, Mollie Byrne. Subs - Tara Berrigan for Grier half-time, L Grier for Sheridan 41 mins, Orla Conlon for N Cassidy 45m, Laura McEnery for Byrne 60m.

Referee - Padraig Coyle (Seneschalstown).