Mayo have won their third All-Ireland Ladies Gaelic Football title in four years after a single point victory over Monaghan at Croke Park this afternoon. They emerged 0-12 to 1-08 winners in an exciting tie that went down to the wire.
Having lost to Laois in last year's final, Mayo were in fighting spirit as the game got underway in front of a 7,000-strong crowd. However, it was Monaghan who scored first before Mayo notched up four quick points to take the advantage. Cora Staunton soon showed her credentials, scoring four points to help Mayo take the lead. But when Monaghan netted through half-forward Edel Byrne who found herself one-on-one with Mayo keeper Denise Horan, the game had swung the Ulster team's way.
They led 1-5 to 0-7 at half-time and the second-half went the way of the first with both sides exchanging the lead several occasions in what was becoming a tight, exciting tie. Staunton continued to keep Mayo in touch but a dogged Monaghan side refused to give up.
With ten minutes remaining, the sides were level at 1-7 to 0-10 before Monaghan scraped ahead by a point. Staunton levelled matters yet again and with only minutes remaining, the supporters in Croke Park feared a draw. However, Mayo wrapped things up with two minutes remaining when Triona McNicholas pointed and Monaghan could find no way back.
Meanwhile, Galway are the All-Ireland Junior champions after a 2-17 to 2-07 win over Donegal. Gillian Joyce was inspirational in Galway's victory, notching up a personal tally of 1-08 to send them on their way. Galway stormed ahead in the early stages, going 1-02 to 0-00 ahead.
By half-time, Galway's lead was only two points, 1-06 to 1-04, after Maureen O'Donnell netted to reduce the deficit. Donegal enjoyed the better start to the second-half but when Galway scored four points in succession, Donegal heads began to drop. However, they were thrown a lifeline on 50 minutes when they were awarded a penalty. O'Donnell's effort was saved but Nora Stapleton fired home the rebound.
Now Donegal were back in control but it wasn't to last as just three minutes later Annette Clarke scored a goal for Galway and the Connacht team were always on top after that.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
