Dromintee girls win first ever Féile in derby win over neighbours Killeavy

Dromintee girls captured their first ever Feile crown with a comprehensive win over near neighbours Killeavy in front of a large vocal home support.

The victory was built on the combination of a solid half-time lead and a second half goal blitz which put the result beyond doubt.

The home side got off to a blistering start with three scores in the opening minutes courtesy of Lily McBennett, Grace Conlon and Maggie Boden.

Were it not for a series of missed chances the game could have been put to bed early such was the territorial dominance of Dromintee, but some poor decision making and shot selection allowed the green and black stay in the game.

Defensively Dromintee were solid with standout performances from Sarah Murphy, Aurika Jankute and Ava O’Neill.

Points from Maggie Boden, Grace Conlon (two), Emma Toale and a further strike from Lily McBennett stretched the Dromintee lead with Rosie Fox hitting the all important first half goal.

While Dromintee established a 1-8 to 0-1 interval lead, Killeavy refused to give up without a battle and made Dromintee fight for every ball.

Better ball retention and pass selection in the second half was the key for Dromintee to kick on and a flurry of goals from Caitlin Carnegie, Lily, Grace and a second for Rosie Fox put Dromintee clear before Grainne Laverty wrapped up the three pointers to the delight of the home support.

Lily and Grace tagged on points before a late Killeavy revival saw them net twice as Dromintee ensured game time for all 20 girls on the panel.

The win goes some way to address last year’s final defeat to Clann Eireann and represents the first Féile success for the club.

Nine of the girls have older brothers with Féile medals so it was a family affair post match as the sibling rivalry stepped up a notch.

The National Féile is due to take place in Connacht in June, with details yet to be finalised.

In her acceptance speech, captain Lily McBennett paid tribute to the late Marie Rocks and singled out Shane O’Neill for his winter programme work with the girls.

Scorers: Lily McBennett 1-5, Grace Conlon 1-4, Rosie Fox 2-0, Caitlin Carnegie 1-0, Grainne Laverty 1-0, Maggie Boden 0-2, Emma Toale 0-1

Full Panel: Emma Toale, Hannah McCrink, Rosie Fox, Annie Rice, Caitlin McCann, Caoimhe O'Rourke, Sarah Murphy, Sinead O'Neill, Grainne Laverty, Maggie Boden, Isabelle Kehoe, Grainne McKeever, Emer O'Neill, Aurika Janute, Lily McBennett, Pippa Mooney, Ava O'Neill, Caitlin O'Grady, Caitlin Carniege & Grace Conlon.