Longwood 6-08, Carnaross 4-07

The Junior D Final was played on a fine day in Dunganny with Longwood and Carnaross engaging in a championship level contest.

The first 5 minutes were end to end with both teams defending well and it was Longwood who were first out of the blocks building a quick 1.01 lead with a point from Millie Rose Russell on 5 minutes followed by a goal from captain Laura Donegan a minute later, before Carnaross hit back on 8 minutes with a goal from Deirdre Reilly. Longwood dominated the next 10 minutes and scored 1-02 without reply with corner forward Russell scoring a fine individual goal and a point and Molly McLoughlin converting a free.

Carnaross hit back minutes later with two goals of their own with Katie White and Sarah Kerins raising green flags. The game was end to end with both sides playing excellent football. Mille Rose pointed from play again on 22 minutes and Ashling Ennis scored anther goal to make it 3-04 to 2-00 with 26 gone in the half. Carnaross finished the half well and scored a point and another Katie White goal before both sides traded frees to draw the game level at half time.

The first half was played with high intensity and spirit bar one over robust challenge which resulted in a yellow card for Molly McLaughlin just on half time.

With the sides level at the end of the half it was all to play for in the second 30.

Half time: Carnaross 4-02, Longwood 3-05

Carnaross came out of the blocks fastest in the second half with a lovely point from Katie Keyes, and they had a lot of the ball for the first 10mins but struggled to capitalise on their possession and Longwood gradually took control of the game scoring 1-02 over that period. Two frees from Ennis and Caoimhe Shields and another goal from Laura Donegan kept Carnaross at arm’s length. Carnaross battled well over the second half but only tagged on a point during this time whereas Longwood stoutly defended Carnaross’ attacks and a goal and a point from Louise Codd on the 24th and 25th minutes seemed to wrap the game up.

Millie Rose Russell rounded off a Player of the match display with another goal to seal Longwoods first ladies adult title since their formation in 2018.

Carnaross to their credit continued to attack and yielded 2 more points from frees. In both cases it seemed that advantage might have been played frustrating the Carnaross supporters hoping for a late comeback from their gallant team. 

A large crowd gathered in Dunganny and witnessed a super game of football that further showed that ladies football is thriving in Meath. There were some wonderful performances from both sets of players with Aisling Ennis, Kayleigh Earls and Katie O’Sullivan showing well for the winners and Katie Keys, Katie White and Poppy Maguire playing well for Carnaross.

There were scenes of joy when captain Laura Donegan raised the Junior D Cup on behalf of her team mates and Millie Rose Russell deservedly awarded the Player of the Match trophy presented by Shane McCormack Meath Senior Manager.

Carnaross: Emily Jo White, Éadaoin Yore, Faye Donagh, Orla Davis, Emma Duffy, Poppy Maguire, Caoilinn Connell, Aisling Reilly, Katie Keys (0-1), Ciara Brady, Dara Yore (0-1f), Katie White (2-3, 3f), Deirdre Reilly (1-0), Sarah Kerins (1-1,1f), Laoise Fleming (0-1f).

Subs: Michelle O’Connor, Hannah Donaghy, Rebecca Farrell, Jessca Connell, Emma Fleming, Annie Murphy, Erin Whyatt, Aoibhinn Smith, Siobhán Plunkett, Aoife Yore, Aoibheann Farrelly, Aoife Reilly, Kasey Connell, Emma Maguire, Elaine Donegan.

Longwood: Aisling Aliweye, Ciara Maguire, Kayleigh Earls, Roisin Harvey, Molly McLaughlin (0-1f), Miriam Barron, Aoife Maguire, Louise Codd (1-1), Lauren Murray, Katie O’Sullivan, Ashling Ennis (1-2, 2f), Caoimhe Shields (0-1f), Caelainn Foley, Laura Donegan (2-0), Millie Rose Russell (2-03).

Subs: Millie Cunningham, Ella O’Donnell Caragh King, Fina Brady, Aoife O’Shea, Eimear Murtagh, Ciara Shields, Diane McQuaid, Amy Brady, Jessica Coules, Jayde Courtney, Tilly Leigh, Rachel Lally, Ella Butler, Sarah Coleman.

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