Donegal played with a strong breeze in the first half but chose to keep the ball in hand. This paid off after some excellent ball retention from the Donegal forwards. The ball was shipped out to the backs by Linda Kenny to allow Helen McPartlan would run in for the opening score of the game.
Donegal kept the pressure on, showing some lovely ball work in the forwards with offloads from Nao Cannon setting Elaine Britton free to charge through the forwards with the support of Niamh Horan and Joanne McCormack. This great work led to their second try when quick hands again from Lorraine Molloy and Martina Cunningham set Brona Clarke free down the clubhouse touchline. With all of the Donegal supporters roaring her on from the sideline she sprinted over for Donegal’s second try.
Half time score: Omagh 0 Donegal 10
The second half started Donegal’s way again, when Omagh looked like breaking Donegals strong defense they would come away with the ball thanks to some brilliant choke tackles from Enya O'Callaghan and Claire McGlinchey. Donegal’s third try came from a penalty when Elaine Britton made yards to give Tracy Connaghan the momentum she needed to get over the line. Unfortunately Elaine had to leave the field with a calf injury, being replaced by Hannah Cullen. Cullen got stuck in right away and made space for Donegal up the touchline. When Omagh couldn't break the strong defence they tried to kick over the top and use the wind to their advantage, but with some excellent positioning from fullback Laura Kenny, she tidied them up and ran back with determination to get the bonus try. It eventually came for Donegal when Omagh couldn’t defend against the hard running ladies any longer and Tracy Connaghan went over again for her second try, with Helen McPartlan slotting the conversion.
Donegal made a final substitution when Deborah Harvey made her welcome return to the game. Omagh then made one final attempt for a try but the Donegal defense stood strong, as they had all match. When the final whistle blew the celebrations erupted from the Donegal side.
Full time score: Omagh 0 Donegal 22
There were great performances from Donegal on the day with Tracy Connaghan and Claire McGlinchey carrying great ball in forwards and Helen McPartlan and Lorraine Molloy linking well in the backs but Woman of the Match went to to Linda Kenny. Her work rate all day in attack and defence was outstanding.
Donegal Team: Elaine Britton, Niamh Horan, Enya O'Callaghan, Nao Cannon, Claire McGlinchey, Joanne McCormack, Tracy Connaghan, Linda Kenny, Laura Kenny, Helen McPartlan, Lorraine Molloy, Brona Clarke, Martina Cunningham, Hannah Cullen, Deborah Harvey
Coach: Gareth McMurray
Other squad members who sadly couldnt play on the day due to injury or other commitments, but played their own part in Donegal’s success include captain Leanne Wray, Olga Grisina, Claire Graham, Michelle and Amanda Dunnion, Marie McCabe, Ann Marie McAloon and Abbey Deane