Three goals in each half proved the difference as Simonstown claimed their first Meath Ladies SFC title with a comfortable victory over Seneschalstown at Ashbourne.

Simonstown 6-13 Seneschalstown 0-12

Simonstown were first on the scoreboard through former Ireland rugby international star Jackie Shiels but it was Seneschalstown who dominated the opening ten minutes at the end of which they led 0-4 to 0-1. Two pointed frees from Stacey Grimes along with scores from Roisin Commons and Orla Finnegan put the former champions in control.

Slowly but surely Simonstown grew into the game. Shields and Kelsey Nesbitt began to get the space they required up front. By the 20th minute the talented duo registered 2-3 to give Simonstown a 2-4 to 0-4 lead.

But Seneschalstown responded in fine style and scores from Grimes (2) and the impressive Orla Finnegan (2) narrowed the gap to a single point as half time approached. But then the games crucial score arrived courtesy of an Ailbhe McHugh goal on the stroke of half time. Simonstown took a 3-4 to 0-9 lead to the dressing room as the rain cleared at the impressive Ashbourne grounds.

The second half was dominated by the Navan ladies. Kelly Harris, who was to score 1-4 in the second half, (2) and Niamh Cassidy extended the lead to eight points after five minutes. Grimes responded with a pointed free but Simonstown were to go on a scoring spree between the 10th and 20th minute that yielded 2-3. Harris got the fourth goal after good work from substitute Emma Cassidy. Nesbitt found the net again soon after and Simonstown were in control . 

Seneschalstown hit back with points from Finnegan and Louise Coyle but Ronan Carley's charges were not to be denied and finished with a flourish with points from Nesbitt (2) Eve Wardick and a Tara Berigan goal.

After the game County Board Chairman Fearghal Harney presented the Player of the Match award to Jackie Shiels and the SFC cup to captain Niamh Sheridan.

Simonstown: Naoise DeGraaff, Katie Bellew, Paula Fitzgerald, Niamh Sheridan, Aisling Sheridan, Regina Hand, Aoife Farrell, Niamh Lister, Aisling Cassidy, Niamh Cassidy 0-1, Jackie Shiels 1-3, Ailbhe McHugh 1-0, Kelly Harris 1-4, Lautyn Grier, Kelsey Nesbitt 2-4. Subs: Emma Cassidy, Mollie Byrne, Eve Wardick 0-1, Tara Berigan 1-0, Karen Foran

Seneschalstown: Cathy Anne Cowley, Leanne Clarke, Aoife Lenehan, Aisling Taaffe, Megan Clarke, Louise Coyle 0-1, Aoibhe Monaghan, Mary Murray, Caragh Monaghan, Orla Finnegan 0-4, Shona Monaghan, Stacey Grimes 0-5, Roisin Commons 0-2, Philomena Sheridan, Seanaidh Hickey. Subs: Kiah Geraghty, Sorcha Gough, Orla Garry, Natasha Mullen, Tiana Kyle

Referee Paul Mooney Syddan 

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