Carnacon edge out Inch again

A GREAT game to win, but a terrible way to lose. The sense of euphoria shared by holders Carnacon with their supporters on the field at the finish contrasted sharply with the heartbreak experienced by Inch Rovers in yesterday’s VHI Healthcare All-Ireland Ladies club SFC final in Tullamore.

And, it wasn’t merely because the outcome was the same as last year’s decider, more the fact that the East Cork side lost a title they looked strongly placed to win when they went into a nine-point lead early in the second half.

That happened when Amy O’Shea set up Claire Keohane for a perfectly taken goal but, remarkably, it marked their last score of the game. And, while the significant wind advantage the Mayo side enjoyed in the second half was crucial in boosting their challenge, the really critical factor was the timing of their first goal, from Natasha Beegan. Coming just two minutes after the Cork goal, it resulted from goalkeeper Mary Hayes attempting a short kick-out.