Captain Begley bags another title for Ulster
MMI Interprovincial ladies football final: Gemma Begley played a captain’s part as Ulster claimed a third successive MMI Interprovincial ladies football crown on Saturday.
Tyrone star Begley scored 2-3, including 2-1 from play, as Paula Cunningham’s Ulster repeated last year’s final victory over Connacht.
Not even a personal haul of 1-7 from Mayo ace Cora Staunton was enough to prevent defeat for Connacht as their long wait for a first interprovincial crown since 2000 continues.
Meanwhile, Munster claimed the Shield trophy by defeating Leinster 4-0 to 2-1 in a penalty shootout, after the sides finished level, at 1-13 (Leinster) to 4-6 (Munster).
Ulster themselves needed a penalty shootout to get through to the interprovincial final. Connacht, Ulster and Munster finished level on points following the group phase, with Connacht drawn out of the hat to advance straight to the final. Ulster held their nerve to see off Munster and book a place in the final.
Scorers for Ulster: G Begley (2-3, 0-2f), C Mohan, T McNally (0-2 each), C Courtney (0-1).
Scorers for Connacht: C Staunton (1-7, 0-5f), A Tighe (1-0).
