Played in sunny conditions in Leitrim Gaels Community pitch, Kiltubrid made little of their previous days exertions to fashion a wonderful first half performance and left the result in no doubt by half time. Visibly tiring in the second half, they still managed some crucial scores to prevent any possibility of a Swinford comeback. The difficulty in scheduling the county final due in the main to the All Ireland run of the county team, meant that Kiltubrid had to face games on two successive games as there was no possibility of rescheduling the Connacht championship dates.

Both teams missed an early opportunity to open the Scóring before a wonderful pass from Aine Tighe set up Aoife McWeeney for a super finish to the net to give the Kiltubrid the perfect start. Niamh Cunningham, Swinfords most dangerous forward replied with a fine point from play. Swinford recoginsed the threat of Tighe almost immediately and brought in Susan Lavin to mark her. Miranda Burke fired over a point from play as Kiltubrid found a great rhythm to their play. Lisa McWeeney pointed from distance and Siobhan Kelly added to the growing tally. Lisa McWeeney pointed again after Aoifes original shot was well blocked. Another fine run by Aine Tighe resulted in another point under tremendous pressure. With a rare attack at the other end, Cunningham found herself unmarked in front of goal and gave Emer Horan no chance with a goal. Any possibility of a Kiltubrid collapse was certainly not on the cards as they responded almost immediately when Siobhan Kellys effort founfd the far corner of the net. Kiltubrid did have a let off with ten minutes of the half remaining when a penalty was awarded to Swinford. Cunninghams effort hit the post but Emer Horan went down well to save the rebound and clear to safety. With Aine Meehan, Sinead McKieran and Clare Kelly in brilliant form in the defence, Kiltubrid easily repelled all of the Swinford attacks. Emer Horan was equally inÓgood form and saved brilliantly from Tara Henry. Aine Tighe relieved the pressure with a pointed free while Cunningham pointed from play at the other end. Miranda Burke turned proveder for Tighe as she fired to the net and Kiltubrids confidence grew with some wonderful free flowing football. Another goal from Aoife McWeeney when Lisas original shot was only parried by Sinead Loftus with five minutes remaining was added to with points from Miranda Burke and Aoife McWeeney to leave Kiltubrid leading by 4-8 to 1- 2 at the break.

Swinford attacked first in the second half and Sinead Fadden pointed before Siobhan Kelly responded with another fine point from play. Three unanswered points from Fadden (2) and Cunningham signalled a mini revival as Kiltubrid began to tire. Sandra Early pointed well to keep distance between the teams as the defence came into their own with many crucial blocks and interceptions while Clare Kelly moved back to mark the dangerous Cunningham. There was stalemate for fifteen minutes as the half wore on and indeed it was Kiltubrid that finished the strongest with a goal from Siobhan Kelly, another Tighe point and to put the icing on the cake and seal a famous win, hard working midfielder Sinead Tighe goaled in the final minute to start a double celebration.

Kiltubrid: Emer Horan, Aine Meehan, Sinead McKiernan ,Breda Holohan, Siobhan Carroll, Claire Kelly, Jenny McKiernan, Sinead Tighe, Lisa McWeeney, Miranda Burke, Siobhan Kelly, Regina Bohan, Aoife McWeeney, Sandra Earley, Aine Tighe. Subs: Carol Keaney, Anya Auhl, Niamh Tighe, Helene Duignan, Sinead Byrne, Clodagh Foley, Ciara McWeeney, Aisling McGourty, Emma Burke, Claire Judge.

Swinford: Sinead Loftus, Dorothy Cassidy, Heather Walsh, Sarah Ansboro, Claire Tierney, Melissa Coleman, Linda Kenny, Tara Henry, Leanne Lenehan, Deirdre Callaghan, Ciara Price, Sinead Fadden, Niamh Cunningham, Jessie Coleman,Michelle Gavin

Referee: J Cox (Roscommon)

01-Oct-07 by Patricia Bohan – Ladies PRO