St. Joseph's, Rochfortbridge, Moate Community School and Loreto College, Mullingar all brought Leinster Post Primary ladies football titles back to Westmeath in 2007. However, there was disappointment for St. Joseph's when they lost the All-Ireland senior 'B' final to Sacred Heart, Clonakilty by 1-8 to 2-9 at Cashel in mid-April. The Rochfortbridge girls put in a brave effort but the concession of two goals either side of half-time left them trailing by 0-5 to 2-6 after 38 minutes. A 48th minute goal from Siobhan Loran raised hopes of a comeback, but wasted chances proved costly as the more economical Cork side held on for a four-point victory. Managed by Martina Croghan, who was assisted by Sheila Lyster and Luke Dempsey, St. Joseph's had earlier captured the Leinster title with a 5-12 to 0-5 victory over Castleknock CS in Cappagh, Co. Kildare. The 'Bridge laid the foundations for victory in the first half when goals from Dawn Wallace, Colleen Gill and Siobhan Loran helped them to a 3-7 to 0-3 interval lead. St. Joseph's encountered a much tougher test when they faced Connacht champions Summerhill in the All-Ireland semi-final at Athlone's Pairc Chiarain. Goals from Maud Annie Foley and Andreanna Doyle proved decisive in a narrow 2-10 to 4-3 win. Following their victory in last year's Leinster 'B' final, St. Joseph's were promoted to the 'A' championship for 2008, But short four key players, their campaign failed to extend beyond the group stage when they were beaten by reigning All-Ireland champions St. Leo's of Carlow and St. Mary's, Edenderry. Moate Community School have enjoyed a wonderful 12 months, having recently followed up last year's Leinster senior 'C' success with victory in the Leinster 'B' final. Under the guidance of Fidelma Nolan and Joe Kelly, they have come on in leaps and bounds and will now hope to succeed where St. Joseph's failed last year by going on to lift the All-Ireland 'B' title in the coming weeks. Moate defeated Skerries Community College by 5-16 to 1-6 to land the 2007 Leinster 'C' title last March. A blistering start, in which the Westmeath school scored 4-3 in the first 11 minutes, provided the platform for a comfortable win. St. Loman's and Westmeath star Leona Archibold top-scored with 1-6, while Sinead Egan, Noreen Devery, Stacey Holloway and Stephanie Kelly were also among the goals. Heartbreak was to follow, though, in the All-Ireland semi-final where the concession of a late goal saw Moate crash to a 1-10 to 4-4 defeat to St. Joseph's, Castlebar at Glenamaddy, Co. Galway. Having led for the majority of the game, Moate went behind for the first time when Castlebar's Noelle Tierney scored her scored goal in the 53rd minute, but Leona Archibold sent over an equalizing point which looked as though it would send the tie to extra-time. However, in the final minute, Tierney fisted the winning goal to give the Westerners a dramatic victory. With many of last year's side available to them once again this year, Moate have surpassed their 2007 achievement by succeeding St. Joseph's, Rochfortbridge as Leinster 'B' champions. Inspired by a player of the match performance by Stacey Holloway and fine scoring contributions from Leona Archibold and Triona Geoghegan, they defeated a much-fancied St. Michael's Loreto of Navan by 0-10 to 1-5 in the provincial final and, at the time of writing, were preparing for an All-Ireland semi-final clash. 2007 was also a successful year for Loreto College, Mullingar who claimed the Leinster under 14 'B' crown following a 3-7 to 2-3 victory over St. Brigid's College, Callan in Park-Ratheneskia, Co. Laois. The Mullingar girls looked to be in a spot of bother when they trailed by 1-0 to 1-3 at half-time, but aided by the wind in the second half, they produced a brilliant display to run out convincing winners. Loreto's goalscorers were Katie Dunne, Joye Kearney and Rebecca Morgan. The St. Joseph's, Rochfortbridge team that contested last year's All-Ireland senior 'B' final was: Clare Judge; Siobhan Dolan, Lisa Kelly, Sinead Whelehan; Caitriona Hannon, Edel Marshall, Ciara Deegan; Fiona Leavy (captain), Maud Anne Foley; Aoife Hyland, Colleen Gill, Louise Darby; Siobhan Loran, Dawn Wallace, Andreanna Doyle. Subs used: Leanne Hendley and Aoife Brady. Moate Community School's 2008 Leinster senior 'B' winning team was: Noreen Devery; Claire Kelly, Noelle Murray, Shona Egan; Emma Rafferty, Caitriona Kelly, Heather McCormack (captain); Leona Archibold, Stacey Holloway; Vanessa O'Brien, Claire Killian, Triona Geoghegan; Niamh Durkan, Phillipa Maher, Stephanie Kelly. Sub used: Kelly Preston. The Loreto College, Mullingar team that lifted the Leinster under 14 'B' title was: Emma Duncan; Aoife Mulligan, Jessica Scally, Iman Mann; Faye Kearney, Sandra McGrath (captain), Muireann Scally; Laura Kiernan, Sheila Kelly; Rebecca Morgan, Joye Kearney, Sinead Boyce; Katie Dunne, Niamh Reilly, Shauna Murtagh. Sub used: Nicola Mulleady. Tweet

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