Knockbride with the upset

Knockbride produced a memorable upset in the Cavan Senior Ladies Football Championship final, bringing Lurgan’s bid for a third successive title to an end. Having already met three times during the season, both sides knew what to expect. This time, Knockbride rose to the occasion.

Lurgan, managed by Neil Quigley, had arrived at the decider aiming to complete the three-in-a-row, with the manager insisting that the hunger for further success remained as strong as ever. Vice-captain Evelyn Baugh had credited Lurgan’s strong underage structures for helping to sustain their success, with a steady stream of young players continuing to emerge and strengthen the squad.

Knockbride, meanwhile, carried considerable momentum into the final following their All-Ireland Intermediate Championship success last year. Under new manager Paul Cahill, they had continued to push forward, with captain Sarah McCabe and her teammates embracing the challenge of facing the reigning champions.

And boy did they deliver: Gia McCabe scored 5 points in the first half alone, also setting her teammates up for several opportunities. Abbi Connor and Abby Reilly added a goal each to the half-time score, while captain Sarah McCabe held the reigns in the mid field, putting her name to the scoresheet as well. Knockbride were leading by four points at half time.

Just one minute into the second half, Abby Reilly again dropped a ball into the net. The return stride was saved by Knockbride keeper Katie Mulvey.

However, over the course of the second half, Lurgan had shaken off their initial bafflement and pushed for scores. Sinead Kelly flicked in a goal with her hands. Only three points in it, before Aoife Brady shortened it to two from a free.

With seven minutes of injury time, Lurgan hoped for a final chance, but all their attempts went wide.

Knockbride win 3-09 to 1-13.