Ladies National Football League: Fermanagh win Division Four opener as Derry lose
- Published
Niamh McManus' goal helped Fermanagh defeat Longford in the Division Four opener at Donagh
Fermanagh defeated Longford in the Ladies National Football League Division Four opener but Derry were beaten at home by Carlow.
First-half goals from Elaine Maguire and Niamh McManus helped the Erne women earn a 2-14 to 1-6 win at Donagh.
Cara Donnelly and Erin Doherty hit Derry goals at Celtic Park but Carlow fought back to win 3-7 to 2-5.
The four games in Division Four were the only matches on the opening weekend of the league.
The Maguire and McManus goals contributed to Fermanagh's 2-9 to 0-4 half-time lead as Eimear Smyth and Bláithín Bogue also impressed for the Erne County.
Longford struck back with a goal from Niamh Brady early in the second half but Fermanagh kept the scoreboard ticking over to claim an opening win.
At Celtic Park, second-half goals from Clíodhna Ní Shé and Fia Murphy proved crucial for Carlow as they clinched a five-point victory over the Oak Leafers.
By half-time, Orla McGeough had notched all four of Derry's points as the sides were deadlocked at 0-4 to 1-1, with Maeve O'Neill finding the net for Carlow.
Cara Donnelly's goal after half-time put Derry 1-4 to 1-2 in front but Carlow responded with green flags raised by Ní Shé and Murphy to help establish a 3-4 to 1-5 advantage.
Derry hit back with a goal from Erin Doherty but Carlow, despite losing Murphy to a yellow card late on, held on as the home side were left to rue five five-half wides.
In the other Division Four games, Leitrim outclassed Kilkenny 2-18 to 0-2 at Dunmore with Limerick drawing 0-6 to 1-3 against Wicklow at Feohanagh/Castlemahon.
Next Sunday, Leitrim will entertain Wicklow, Limerick are at home to Derry, Fermanagh will make the trip to Carlow, and Kilkenny will play host to Longford.
There's one game in Division 1 next Saturday, with Dublin at home to Kerry at Parnell Park.
Sunday's top flight games will see Armagh hosting Waterford, Galway travelling to Cork and Mayo with home advantage against Meath.
There's also a full round of Division Two and Division Three fixtures taking place on Sunday.