Cork won their fifth consecutive Lidl Ladies National Football League Division 1 by the narrowest of margins after a scintillating game with Donegal.
The so-called 'Rebelettes', who have frankly carried the old 'Rebel' moniker with more fervour than their male equivalents for over half a decade, saw off the Ulsterwomen on a scoreline of 2-15 to 2-14 at Parnell Park to pick up their ninth league title in 10 seasons.
Donegal, who had beaten Cork in Mallow during the group stages, finished the game with 13 women after Yvonne McMonagle was binned in the 59th minute, before Katy Herron saw red for a high challenge on Jess O’Shea in what was a contentiously refereed affair beneath the bright Dublin skies.
The former had shared 12 goals and 36 points with Geraldine McLaughlin en route to the final, but after a fruitful first half-hour, both were held scoreless in the second half.
There was just the one name on Cork lips, however; the Leesiders' own sharp-shooter, Orla Finn of Kinsale, who hit Donegal for 1-10 in a monumental performance.
GOAL! Orla Finn scores after 19 seconds... Emer Gallagher for Donegal injured during the process. @BigRedBench @lidl_ireland
— Mary White (She/Her) (@mary_white33) May 7, 2017
15 seconds in😳 Orla Finn is going to do serious damage this match if Donegal can't keep her under control #SeriousSupport #lidlnfl
— Jess (@Jesskeating2134) May 7, 2017
Orla Finn giving a free taking masterclass today for Cork #GaaBeo #TG4
— Daithí (@childof76) May 7, 2017
Cracker of a match today, amazing scoring by Orla Finn. Well done @Jess_OShea & @CorkLGFA 🏆🔴⚪️ https://t.co/qcFrNqwkvB
— Christine Nolan (@nolan_christine) May 7, 2017
What a player and what an unstoppable performance from @finn_orla #masterclass #teamplayer
— Diane O'Hora (@ohora0013) May 7, 2017
Huge congrats to @CorkLGFA on another @lidl_ireland League National title! Special mention for @finn_orla who kicked 1-10 and won POTM!! pic.twitter.com/PFPGbE07fx
— Kinsale GAA (@KinsaleGaa) May 7, 2017
The All Star forward led the charge for Ephie Fitzgerald's side, who were without Player of the Year Brid Stack and captain Ciara O’Sullivan through injury.
The sides were level on no fewer than six occasions, with Donegal taking a two-point lead in the second half. Missed chances, however, would transpire to cost them, as Cork pipped their group stage conquerors to the post.
There were, however, a number of complaints from Donegal's quarters regarding Colm McManus' refereeing of the contest.
Rarely will I say anything about a referee, but have to say I thought the ref in the ladies final was atrocious. Some rare decisions.
— Liam Porter (@LiamPort) May 7, 2017
Cork got easy frees....don't understand the red card for Donegal and I was beside it. Tight game. https://t.co/2CqQQfWZL4
— Eve-Anne McCarron (@EveAnneMcCarron) May 7, 2017
Nonetheless, the overriding sense was that this was a sensational climax to the Ladies league season.
Cracking women's final. Composed Cork edged it by a point. Donegal kicked a lot of scores away. Fussy ref.
— Kieran Cunningham (@KCsixtyseven) May 7, 2017
Great Ladies Football final playing out between Cork and Donegal yet there was no coverage of the game in any of today's papers
— Marie Crowe (@mariecrowe) May 7, 2017
It's an incredible 5-in-a-row in the League for Cork's Ladies Football side - beating Donegal 2-15 to 2-14 in a thriller at Parnell Park.
— Off The Ball (@offtheball) May 7, 2017
Cork remain on the throne once more. What a league final! @CorkLGFA 5 in a row. Credit to Donegal some game! @LadiesFootball pic.twitter.com/J3qNn5gaxO
— Jen Murphy Design Studio ✏ (@JenJen_Murf) May 7, 2017
Stats from @CorkLGFA win over @DonegalLGFA in today's Ladies NFL Division 1 final #lidlnfl #cork #donegal #gaa @LadiesFootball pic.twitter.com/BeWHYO1T9X
— Stats Hole GAA (@StatsHoleGAA) May 7, 2017
