Goals from Bohan and McGuire see The Downs through to final

The Village Barn Westmeath Ladies SFC semi-final

The Downs 2-8, St Loman's 2-5

Following a fine performance, The Downs emerged worthy winners of the Westmeath Ladies SFC semi-final, overcoming the valiant efforts of St Loman’s, in an entertaining contest at Shandonagh on Sunday morning.

Having led by 2-6 to 1-4 at half-time, The Downs proceeded to control the second half and had three points to spare at the final whistle. Goals from Beth McGuire and Michelle Bohan proved crucial to the outcome and despite Ciara Blundell and Shannon Breslin majors, the Mullingar girls were unable to turn this game around.

The Downs were never headed in this semi-final, played in splendid sunshine on a soft pitch, the heavy rain from the previous day making for testing underfoot conditions. Michelle Bohan’s point (after Olivia Glynn’s pass) had them in front, before a pointed free by Ciara Blundell brought the teams level.

A strong run by Olivia Glynn led to a goal chance for Brittney McNamee, who blazed a first time shot over the crossbar. The warning bells ought to have been ringing loudly for St Loman’s at this stage, but they were soon caught out again: with 11 minutes on the clock, Brittney McNamee’s shot was deflected on to the crossbar and Beth McGuire followed up to boot the ball to the net.   When Gillian Ferguson shot over, the lead was five points (1-3 to 0-1) and The Downs were firmly in control.

St Loman’s swooped for their first goal after 17 minutes to get right back into the match. Vicky Carr’s shot was parried by the opposing ‘keeper and Ciara Blundell followed up to boot the ball to the net. Corner forward 15 pointed to leave just one between the teams after 20 minutes.

It was nicely poised at this stage, but The Downs again established control when Michelle Bohan found the net, after good work by Gillian Ferguson and Megan Dowdall. St Loman’s replied with a point from centre forward Caoimhe Kilmurray, following good approach play by Ciara Blundell and Aileen Duffy.

However, Caoimhe Kilmurray had her shot saved by The Downs’ ‘keeper and Niamh Nolan soon converted a free to ease any concerns. The Downs followed up with a point from Brittney McNamee, while Lucy Power’s effort clipped the crossbar and went over to put six points between the teams.   Shannon Breslin had more time than she realised as the full forward shot over to reduce the leeway in added time, but The Downs added to their lead with a fisted point from Holly Dowdall (after Olivia Glynn’s effort came back off the crossbar).

There was some confusion concerning the half-time score, which this scribe recorded as 2-7 to 1-4, but the referee’s official score read 2-6 to 1-4 in The Downs' favour.

The Black and Ambers added to their lead five minutes into the second half when Holly Dowdall took a pass from Beth McGuire and shot over. But Ciara Blundell pointed under strong pressure to keep the saints in touch.

A scoring lull then ensued as both sides struggled to get their forwards into play. Beth McGuire slotted over a free in fine style to ensure The Downs led by six points with eight minutes of normal time remaining. The Downs had a chance to add to their lead, but Beth McGuire’s low drive was saved by Fiona Keating and in the counter attack, St Loman’s engineered their second goal. A slick move led to Katie Kilmurray finding Shannon Breslin, whose low shot beat ‘keeper Sarah McGuire.

However, that was as close as St Loman’s could get: The Downs were strong enough to survive their opponents’ best efforts as they claimed their place in the senior football final.

Scorers – The Downs: M Bohan and B McGuire (0-1f) 1-1 each, H Dowdall and B McNamee 0-2 each, G Ferguson, N Nolan (free), L Power 0-1 each.

St Loman’s: C Blundell 1-2 (0-1f), S Breslin 1-1, K Kilmurray and C Kilmurray 0-1 each.

The Downs: Sarah McGuire; Aisling Egerton, Helen Walsh, Lauren Guilfoyle; Aoife Rowan, Niamh Nolan, Gemma Faulkner; Michelle Bohan, Megan Dowdall; Gillian Ferguson, Olivia Glynn, Holly Dowdall; Beth McGuire, Lucy Power, Brittney McNamee. Subs: Niamh Rowan for G Ferguson, Kristabella Tamosiunaite for B McGuire, Roisin Scally for B McNamee.

St Loman’s: Fiona Keating; Keelie Mulderry, Muireann Scally, Sandra McGrath; Lara McCartan, Megan Ennis, Ellen Kilmurray; Annie Kilmurray, Vicky Carr; Aileen Duffy, Caoimhe Kilmurray, Ciara Blundell; Shauna Traynor, Shannon Breslin, Katie Kilmurray. Subs: Jayne Charles for S Traynor, Laura Murphy for E Kilmurray.

Ref: Vinny Cox (Rosemount).

Examiner's Eye on the game

Player of the match

Megan Dowdall (The Downs): The midfielder was excellent throughout and won plenty of possession in the engine room, giving her side every chance of engineering scores. Michelle Bohan and Beth McGuire starred in the scoring stakes.

Score of the match

Michelle Bohan’s goal was well worked, directly from a Downs kickout. Gillian Ferguson and Megan Dowdall were involved before Michelle Bohan finished well to the net, giving her side a four-point lead at a crucial stage.

Next up

The Downs will take on reigning champions Milltown in the senior final.