Last-minute penalty save denies Aghamore ladies a place in Connacht junior club final

CONNACHT LGFA JUNIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINAL

Aghamore 2-13

Coolera Strandhill 4-8

In Aghamore

IT was a game of ladies football which Aghmore had never seen before, played in front of the largest crowd ever to witness ladies football in the East Mayo village.

But it came to a heartbreaking end when Coolera Strandhill goalkeeper Beibhinn Harte denied Louise Cassidy from the penalty spot in the 65th minute of an extraordinary game that left all associated with Aghamore LGFA with shattered nerves, heavy legs and broken hearts. 

It proved to be the very, very last throw of the dice for a gallant Aghamore side that threw absolutely everything at their Sligo guests to undo Mairéad McIntyre’s 59th-minute goal that gave them a one-point lead. 

In summary: this was a great advertisement for junior ladies football, a game that either team could have won, with enough drama to leave Shakespeare, Scorsese and Speilberg in the ha’penny place. 

The teams produced a cracking first half which ended level at 2-4 1-7.

Aghamore were lion-hearted and gallant but were dealt an early setback when Orna Murphy shot a goal into the roof of the net.

But spurred by fine displays from wing-back Lillian Keane, wing-forward Louise Cassidy and Mayo senior Saoirse Delaney, Aghamore fought back and went in front in the 18th minute when Cassidy shook the net.

The hosts had reeled off 1-6 without reply before the Sligo champions responded with two points followed by a goal from Anna McDaniel.

The teams were level three times in an enthralling second half, which Aghamore looked to have won when Laoise Greally stabbed the ball from close range with about ten minutes to go. 

However, the East Mayo women failed to find the clincher and shipped the losing goal to substitute Mairéád McIntyre. 

Aghamore made several attempts at an equaliser, each coming closer than the one before it, before Louise Cassidy won a penalty that presented a game-winning opportunity. 

Beibhinn Harte produced a save, won a free out, and Coolera Strandill finally got through at the expense of a heartbroken Aghamore. 

A full report plus reaction from Aghamore manager Keitha Cassidy will be carried in Tuesday’s Mayo News.