Finnegan welcomes Westmeath's first win since last April
February 24, 2020
Westmeath players huddle. ©INPHO/Tom Beary.
Compiled by Declan Rooney
Some of the game’s biggest names will be sweating on their top flight status in the coming weeks in the Lidl National Football League Division 1 with Donegal now bottom of the table, while TG4 All-Ireland Senior champions Dublin and Waterford are only one point clear of relegation after their respective results.
Sean Finnegan’s Westmeath gave themselves hope of survival with their first win since last April as Lucy McCarton and Aoife Connolly starred in their impressive 1-11 to 1-7 victory over Donegal in Mullingar.
Amy Boyle Carr hit the net in the first minute for Donegal, but crucially they conceded at the other end to Connolly less than a minute later and they never led again.
McCarton and Connolly did all the damage as Geraldine McLaughlin’s second-half effort was not enough to deny Westmeath’s powerful defensive stand.
“We haven’t won a game in quite a while so we are relieved,” said Finnegan. “Today was do or die to stay in this division and we’ve given ourselves a chance.”
With Cork and Dublin to come in the next few weeks Donegal manager Maxi Curran knows his side face a battle to survive the drop.
“We had scoring opportunities but we weren’t just clinical enough. It leaves us in a spot of bother and we know the odds are stacked against us,” said Curran.
Two goals from Roisín Leonard lifted Galway’s Lidl National Football League prospects as Tim Rabbitt’s side ran out convincing winners against Dublin and claimed top spot in Division 1.
Ailbhe Davoren and Tracey Leonard also his the net for Galway, while Carla Rowe once again led the way for Dublin with a 1-4 tally as Mick Bohan’s side succumbed to a 4-6 to 2-6 defeat – their second in a row.
“Every win is crucial and in Division One, every game is important to win,” said Rabbitt.
“I’m really proud of the girls. Their decision making was really smart today and they really had their heads on. I couldn’t be happier today.”
Meanwhile, in the all Munster Division 1 clash, Kelly Ann Hogan sealed a 0-10 to 1-7 draw for Waterford with a late free to wrap up a powerful comeback from the Fraher Field hosts.
Aishling Moloney’s free taking and a goal from Kate Davey had given Tipperary a 1-5 to 0-4 lead but Hogan gave Waterford a deserved draw.
“Over the course of the hour we were full value for that result,” said Waterford manager Ciaran Curran. “With the way results went today it gives us hope.”
In Division 2 Kerry continued their perfect start to the season and a 1-9 haul from Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh gave them a 3-14 to 1-8 win over Tyrone. Niamh Ní Chonchúir and Hannah O’Donoghue also found the net for Kerry, who remain three points clear of Monaghan at the top.
Monaghan were also convincing 1-11 to 1-7 winners in their derby clash with Cavan as Shauna Coyle’s goal 12 minutes after the restart proved a vital score. Aisling Maguire replied for Cavan, but they were unable to haul in their neighbours and they slipped to a second loss of the season.
Elsewhere Meath lost ground on the leaders after they had to be happy with a 3-12 to 3-12 draw with Clare. Emma Duggan’s scoring appeared to have been enough for Meath, but Clare struck two late goals before Grainne Nolan struck twice in added time to give Clare a draw.
Armagh won for the second time this season as Wexford’s woes continued in a 4-18 to 1-1 loss to the Orchard county. Goals from Caroline O’Hanlon (2), Kelly Mallon and Niamh Marley saw them to the easy win.
In the third tier, Down were very impressive winners against Roscommon in the live game, and their 3-13 to 0-7 win was their fourth in a row and sees them maintain pace with Kildare, who were 3-14 to 4-6 victors over Laois.
Fermanagh picked up a 2-6 to 0-8 win over Longford, while Sligo lost their fourth straight game as Wicklow claimed a 5-18 to 0-7 win.
And in Division 4 there were wins for Carlow and Louth, while the meeting of Offaly and Limerick ended in a 2-9 to 1-12 draw.
RESULTS:
Lidl National Football League Division 1
Cork P-P Mayo
Lidl National Football League Division 2
Kerry 3-14 Tyrone 1-8
Clare 3-12 Meath 3-12
Cavan 1-7 Monaghan 1-11
Wexford 1-1 Armagh 4-18
Lidl National Football League Division 3
Longford 0-8 Fermanagh 2-6
Wicklow 5-18 Sligo 0-7
Kildare 3-14 Laois 4-6
Down 3-13 Roscommon 0-7
Lidl National Football League Division 4
Carlow 5-11 Derry 0-6
Louth 2-14 Leitrim 1-10
Limerick 2-9 Offaly 1-12
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