Meath 3-18  Longford 1-7

The relief was palpable in the Pearse Park stands on Sunday as the referee blew the final whistle in this Leinster Semi-Final. Meath Ladies after a turbulent few years had booked themselves a Leinster Intermediate Final spot. Wexford as it turned out would be the opposition having overcome Offaly in the other semi. This will be the third time this year the sides have met. Wexford have the advantage of a two nil lead. But who will have the last laugh?

The game had hardly begun when Fiona O'Neill opened the scoring for the Royal County. It was just the start Meath wanted. Like a sprinter out of the blocks Meath raced into a 1 - 03 to no score lead in just five minutes. Longford seemed to have been caught cold. It would be seven minutes before they would send the ball over the black spot courtesy of Michelle Farrell.

Meath's Niamh O Sullivan gets away from Aisling Cosgrove Longford

Two points from Grimes and two from Orla Byrne gave Meath a comfortable lead with just 15 minutes on the clock. Not to be out done Niamh Gallogly raced half the length of the pitch to put over a fantastic solo effort.  Captain Niamh O'Sullivan was on hand shortly afterwards to add yet another point for Meath. A free for Longford courtesy of centre half Michelle Farrell added Longford's second point.  This was the start of a mini comeback for Longford who went on to score two more points before O'Neill launched the ball into the back of the net. Meath were in control and went into the break with a 2 - 10 to four point lead.

Longford started the second half well and scored three unanswered points all from frees before Meath took control once again. It would be a long half for the Longford girls with Meath scoring freely. Indeed all six forwards would put their names on the scoreboard before Marion Farrelly latched on to a good block from Longford keeper Michelle Kilkenny and sent it into the back of the net. Longford never gave up until the final whistle but they just didn't have any answers to the Meath forward line. O'Shaughnessy and Kate Byrne controlled the middle of the park and were well served by Meaths backs who cleared their lines quickly and efficiently at all times.

Meath's Megan Thynne with Emer Heany Longford

Eamon Murrays charges will now march on to Netwatch Dr. Cullen Park, Carlow to meet Wexford on July 9th. The game is due to throw in at 2pm. Only time will tell how the girls will get on this third time of asking against Wexford. You can be sure they will go out and give 110% as they always do.

Meath team and scorers: Orlagh McLaughlin, Aideen Guy, Emma White, Kate Flynn, Emma Troy, Vikki Wall, Niamh Gallogly (1pt), Maire O'Shaughnessy (1pt), Kate Byrne, Megan Thynne (1-01), Niamh O'Sullivan (2pts), Orla Byrne (3pts), Stacey Grimes (3 pts), Marion Farrelly (1-01), Fiona O'Neill (1-05).

Subs: Katie Newe for Flynn, Niamh Lister for Troy, Aoibhin Cleary (1 pt) for O. Byrne, Ailbhe McHugh for O'Neill and Bláthnaid Keogh for K. Byrne.

Longford team and scorers: Michelle Kilkenny, Niamh Darcy, Mairead Moore, Aisling Cosgrove, Emer Heany (1G), Mairead Reynolds (1pt), Michelle Noonan, Jacinta Brady, Aisling McCormack, Lauren Farrell, Michelle Farrell (5) (- 4f) Anna McDonald, Aoife Darcy, Aisling O'Hara, Aisling Reynolds (1pt).

 

 

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