By Donna O'Connor
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The Down Camogs have secured their place in the Finals of the Ulster Junior Championship at the expense of Tyrone.

The Tyrone side didn't realise what had hit them when Down's Mary Gilmore scored the opening point within a minute of play. This was followed up with a brilliant goal from Karen Gribben and then another from Mary. Tyrone's Brenda Burke answered back with a point.

Down's Mairin McAleenan who was set up by Karen Gribben scored a point and from this stage onwards points were constantly being hammered over and over by an impressive Down side. Katriona Fegan was introduced at the end of the first half and supplied further points for the Down side.

Down did slip up and made the mistake of giving a free to the Tyrone side with Julie O'Callaghan scoring a point.

At the end of the first half Down were in the lead 3:15 to 0:02 for Tyrone.

Further substitutions were made with Colleen Grant for Karen Gribben, Fionnaula Ross for Orla Maginn. Karen Murray was then switched to backs and Fionnaula to half forward. Ciara McCarthy replaced Teresa McGowan as goalkeeper.

The Down camogs gave one of their best performances to date. They took control of the game from the very start. With Jenny Braniff and Lisa McCrickard playing impressively in midfield and with a solid defense from Moya Maginn, Deborah Kelland, the Mourne ladies dominated the field area. Each time a Tyrone player had the ball there was a surge of red and black players surrounding them.

Down's Catherine McGourity suffered a severe injury and was substituted by Ann Morgan.

It was slackness on the Down side that allowed Tyrone's Denise Daly to score a goal.

The final sideline point for Down was supplied by Jenny Braniff.

The Down camogs played well within themselves. They had too much power and skill for a Tyrone side that was never able to get into the game.

Manager, Bernie McNally and Training Coach, Colleen Reilly was delighted with the performance of all the team and with their splendid efforts. The team over the next few weeks will have a lot of preparation as they are heading for the Ulster Junior Championship.

Down will now meet Derry in the final on Sunday 20 June.

Final score Down 5:26 to Tyrone 1:02.

Down Panel: Teresa McGowan, Clare McGovern, Moya Maginn, Orla Maginn, Karen Murray, Pauline Green, Deborah Kelland, Jenny Braniff (0:1), Lisa McCrickard, Cathy Mulholland (0:3), Mairin McAleenan (1:7), Catherine McGourity (0:2), Brenda Gallagher, Mary Gilmore (2:7) and Karen Gribben (1:2).

Subs: Colleen Grant, Ciara McCarthy, Fionnaula Carr, Anne Carr and Katrina Fegan (1:4)