Kilkerrin-Clonberne 1-17

Westport 2-7

By Eanna O’Reilly in Westport

ALL-Ireland champions Kilkerrin-Clonberne progressed to another provincial decider after overcoming Westport in the semi-final played at the home of the Mayo champions last Sunday.

Willie Ward’s all-conquering outfit will now take on Roscommon champions St Brigid’s in the Connacht Final in Castlerea on Sunday (1pm).

Despite making a slow start, Kilkerrin-Clonbernehad too much quality for the home side and were never in any real danger of losing this game. Westport ultimately couldn’t capitalise on an early six point lead, as the experienced title holders maintained their composure and reeled them in.

Westport opened the scoring when a thirty yard free from Laura Moran dipped just below the crossbar and ended up in the Kilkerrin-Clonberne net. Two minutes later, the Ward twins combined at the other end, with centre back Nicola fisting over a point.

Mayo county player Aoife Geraghty then sent over a long range score for Westport, before the home side struck for their second goal. Westport managed to turn over possession before the ball ended up in the hands of Aoife Staunton, who fired to the roof of the net past Lisa Murphy.

Kilkerrin-Clonberne showed no signs of panic despite trailing by 2-1 to 0-1. Their engine may have been slow to start, but once it got going, there was no stopping the defending champions. Ward’s charges reeled off 1-5 without reply in the space of ten minutes to turn the contest firmly in their favour.

Louise Ward pointed for the visitors before Chloe Miskell sent over two quick scores to make it 2-1 to 0-4. Two minutes later, a powerful run from Louise Ward saw her play a one-two with Eva Noone, before breaking through the centre and finishing low to the bottom corner of the net.

Olivia Divilly soon tallied her first free of the game, after being fouled herself. Three minutes later, her sister Niamh pointed from the right wing. Kilkerrin-Clonberne were playing with a terrific level of pace and quality football, which their opponents struggled to replicate.

Pictured: Kilkerrin-Clonberne’s Aisling Madden who featured on the scoresheet in Sunday’s Connacht Club Senior Ladies Football semi-final victory over Westport.