Kerry 3-23 Fermanagh 4-8
Fermanagh made a massive 2 day journey to Killcumming GFC grounds on the outskirts of Killarney for the Round 2 league match. Kerry, a recognised senior team were always going to be a tall order for a developing Fermanagh squad and although there was a margin of 12 points at the end, when one takes into consideration the energy-sapping journey, and the quality of the opposition, the Fermanagh management will be well pleased with the experience gained and the bald fact that the forwards created a scoreline of 4-8 against a team of Kerry's calibre, with all the stars, Murphy, Breen Leonard, Houlihan and Ni Mhuirtceartaigh.

Our next opponents Tipperary, shipped an 18 point defeat against Kerry on their home sod at Nenagh, which gives us good hope for our visit to Tipperary next weekend and Cavan and 4 points to spare against them at Breffni Park on Sunday.

The statistics of Tipperary's 2 outings would suggest that the Erne girls with ambitions, can record their first brace of points in the campaign.

Fermanagh lined out short, Edel MGovern, Roisin Gleeson, Teresa Malanophy from the Cavan match and the filled by Aine McHugh, Shireen Green, Lynn McFredrick and Nuala McManus with Niamh Gillen filling her rotation as keeper.

Kerry, as expected, settled from the throw in and registered a sequence of scores coming from the experienced Sarah Houlihan, Patrice Dennehy, Mary O'Keeffe and Deirdre Corrigan, spring-boarded by All Star Bernie Breen at midfield, Edel Murphy in goals, Leonard at fullback, and forward Ni Mhuirceartaigh.

Fermanagh were trading with quality. The old hands of Caroline Little, who scored a goal and 3 points, and Aisling Moane with a brace of points, brought Fermanagh's total to 1-5 to Kerry's 2-11, as the Cork refereed Mick John O'Keeffe brought the first half to a close.

However, despite the 9 point deficit, Fermanagh had gained a good share of possession and as was the case against Monaghan in the O'Dowd Cup, it was Kerry's senior experience, game plan and distribution that was the difference.

The second half was of similar game play sequence. Kerry were superior in distribution of their gained possession and tallied up a total of 1-12 in the final 30 minutes of play with the bulk of scores coming from their confident accurate forward line.

Fermanagh's cause was not helped in the last quarter when Sharon Little got a yellow card and a 10 minute rest.

As was the format of the first half, the Fermanagh girls worked hard and apart from the difference in grade, they were not overawed by Kerry and got physically stuck in their tackling which churned out a number of frees which accounted for the high digits of Kerry's scoreboard total.

The experience gained if stored, can but only benefit them in their championship campaign in their own grade and should they have ambitions to take home the Quinn Cup next September, the experience of playing team of Kerry's class would be an eye opener to what would be upstairs at senior level.

Caroline Little was once again our star player with another bag of 3 goals and 3 points against the Kerry defence. Caroline was one of the 2 best players on the field, along with Kerry's All Star Bernie Breen. Caroline's total in 2 matches in the league is 5 goals and 6 points, well on her way again for the real Golden Boot winner.

Aisling Moane added a further 2 points to her match tally. Lynn McFredrick got her usual goal and the rising star Nuala McManus had her name on the score sheet with a point to bring the final score in an experience match for Fermanagh. Kerry 3-23 Fermanagh 4-8.

Referee Mick John O'Keeffe (Cork)

Scorers for Fermanagh: Caroline Little 3-3, Lynn McFredrick 1-0, Aisling Moane 0-4, Nuala Mcmanus 0-1.

Scorers for Kerry: Sarah Houlihan 1-7 (4f), Patrice Dennehy 1-4 (2f), Deirdre Corrigan 0-4 (1f), Mary O'Keeffe 1-3 (1f), Marie Quirke 0-3, Louise Ni Mhuirtcerataigh 0-2.

Congratulations to Kerry County Ladies Board for the wonderful colour football programme for the match, if only every County Board and their team managers were so progressive, the followers and supporters of the teams would be treated with real respect. Appreciations to Kerry County Board and the Kilcummin Club for the after match refreshments.

Team:
Niamh gillen (St Joseph's Ederney), Aine McHugh (Kinawley), Orla Reihill (capt) (St Pat's Donagh), Claire Woods (Lisnaskea), Shauna Hamilton (Devenish), Tara Little (Lisnaskea), Marcella Connolly (Newtownbutler), Roisin O'Reilly (Kinawley), Aisling Moane (Brokeborough), Sharon Little (Lisnaskea), Caroline Little (Lisnaskea), Noelle Connolly (Newtownbutler), Shireen Grene (Brookeborough), Zoe Leonard (Kinawley), Sabrina Barrett (St Pat's Donagh).
Subs:
Brenda Curray (St Pat's Donagh), Nuala McManus (Brookeborough), Emma O'Keeffe (Lisnaskea), Ciara Durnien (Lisnaskea), Mary Irvine (St Josephs Ederney), Naomi McManus (Brookeborough), Danica Beattie (Newtownbutler), Lorraine McDermott (St Pat's Donagh), Sarah McCausland (Irvinstown), Aisling O'Brien (Devenish), Aine McBrien (Newtownbutler), Roisin Gleeson (St Pat's Donagh), Lynne McFredrick (Enniskillen Gaels).
Darren Boyle and Emmett Curry (Managers), Josie Boyle (Selector).

County Ladies Board news

The County Committee are making a real appeal to the parents and followers of Gaelic Football in Fermanagh to support our forthcoming fundraiser draw.

At present in these recessionary times, there is a huge draw on our financial resources with the 3 away league matched exceeding £10,000. It is most important that this venture is a success, the draw will take place at the April County Board meeting with a prize fund of £1,500 and many supplementary hampers and voucher prizes.

County Board are seeking sponsors for the minor county team that will carry their name/logo on their kit. We have similar requirements for the U16 and U14 squads. If generous folk would like to help, give County Secretary Rosaleen Lynch a call on
028 677 23302 or 07900510202.