Historic first win for West Cork senior ladies football team

West Cork 3-8

North Cork 0-15

KIERAN McCARTHY REPORTS

WEST Cork’s first-ever senior ladies football team made history on two fronts this Friday evening – they fielded in the county senior championship for the first time and they also recorded their first victory.

It was a memorable evening for the West Cork ladies team, but they were made battle all the way by North Cork who should have been well in front at half-time, instead of level at 0-6 apiece.

The main reason why West Cork were still in the game at the interval can be summed up in two words: Aisling Judge.

The Kinsale club woman was in inspired form between the posts as she denied North Cork certain goals on three occasions, and she repeated her heroics in a second half that saw the new West Cork team come to terms with the fast pace.

Driven on by Emma Spillane, Aine Hayes and Aideen Lynch in defence, and with Melissa Duggan a huge force in midfield, the chances came for the West Cork attack and three second-half goals proved to be the difference, all from Kinsale players.

First Orla Finn’s point attempt dropped into the goal to level the game ten minutes into the second half, 1-7 to 0-10, before two quick-fire Sadhbh O’Leary goals within 60 seconds at three-quarter stage put the West Cork women in control, leading 3-7 to 0-12.

Despite a fierce battle from North Cork, who had Rebel stars Brid Stack and Deirdre O’Reilly in their ranks, and strong performances from Gemma Cashman, Chloe Collins, Elaine Crowley and Mairead Kelly, the spoils went to West Cork who held on for a famous win on their first competitive outing.

Don’t miss next Thursday’s Southern Star for the full report and reaction from this game.