Heartbreak for Navan O'Mahonys in All-Ireland semi

Early goals from Rena Buckley and Aileen Buckley proved crucial as hosts Donoughmore managed to negotiate a brave Navan O’Mahonys side by 3-13 to 3-12  in a thrilling All-Ireland Club JFC semi-final today writes JOHN TARRANT.

The Navan women were devastated to lose by a point and after conceding early goals, they stretched Donoughmore to the absolute limit in an epic second-half.

Navan got off to an encouraging start, boosted by a well taken Meghan Collins point. Once they settled, Donoughmore enjoyed a lucrative eight minutes with three quick goals.

 Aileen Buckley assisted namesake Rena Buckley, before provider Aileen Buckley then blasted home a brace of goals to put daylight between the sides.

Those scores illustrated Donoughmore had operated with the greater authority early on, as the play of Aisling Barrett, Linda McCarthy and Michelle Dilworth in defence augmented the midfield contributions of former Cork captain Rena Buckley and Claudia Keane..

There was much to admire about Navan O’Mahonys and they hit the woodwork on three occasions before a Jacinta Maher goal narrowed the arrears two goals 1-7 to 3-7 at the break.

The O'Mahonys points were scored by Orlaith Mallon (three), Aoibheann Leahy, Meghan Collins, Ailbhe Leahy and Caoimhe Clynch.

On the restart, Navan brought a high level of intensity to the contest that earned reward with goals from Orlaith Mallon and a marvellous Meghan Collins strike to leave the minimum between the sides.

As the game teetered on a knife edge, Navan came ever so close to forcing parity, but Donoughmore relied on second-half points from midfielders Rena Buckley and Keane to hang on by the slenderest of margins.