Brave Westport effort comes up short against All-Ireland champions
Galway's Kilkerrin Clonberne power into another Connacht final after overcoming Mayo champions in Westport
LGFA CONNACHT SENIOR CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINAL
Kilkerrin Clonberne 1-17
Westport 2-7
In Westport
THE reigning All-Ireland champions survived a stern test in St Patrick's Park this afternoon when Westport threw everything at them in an entertaining and free-flowing clash. Kilkerrin Clonberne have four All-Ireland crowns in their trophy cabinet and the drive for five is gathering pace after this well-earned win by Clew Bay.
Westport got the dream start with goals from Laura Moran and Aoife Staunton in the first five minutes, but the home side suffered a blow when Staunton had to leave the field injured in the second quarter.
The Galway, Connacht and All-Ireland champions powered back into the game with wing-back Niamh Divilly to the fore. They led 1-10 to 2-2 at half-time thanks to a goal from centre-half-forward Louise Ward, some classy points from full-forward Chloe Miskell and excellent free-taking by Olivia Divilly.
Aoife Geraghty was among Westport's most prominent players throughout the game and Laura Moran kept the scoreboard ticking with pointed frees in the third quarter, while Christina MacEvilly chipped in with a classy score. However, the goal that Westport needed didn't arrive and the impressive champions were hugely effective every time they attacked.
Olivia Divilly, Nicola Ward and Hannah Noone were among those to impress in the second period, but the Westport defence also deserves huge credit, especially the performance of Saoirse Lally who nullified the threat of Kilkerrin Clonberne's ace attacker Eva Noone.
However, despite a great effort from the Mayo champions there was no stopping the Galway women and they powered into the Connacht final with seven points to spare.
A full match report and after match-reaction will be carried in Tuesday's Mayo News.