Meath LGFA IFC relegation play-off: St. Michaels survive

Simonstown's Anna Gardiner with Ellie Jackson St. Michaels during the Meath LGFA IFC Relegation play-off at Carlanstown

St. Michaels 3-09, Simonstown 2-08                                                      

Considering the fact that the loser of this contest in Carlanstown on Saturday evening would be playing junior football in 2027 both sides combined for a game of decent quality in difficult wet conditions and none of the supporters left for home before the long whistle sounded.

Simonstown were first off the mark with a point in the opening minute however Lauren Reilly was in top form for the St. Michaels ladies as she posted 1-2 on the board in the opening 12 minutes, the same player had to spend 10 minutes in the sin-bin either side of the interval. Claire Reilly was then grounded as she attempted a shot on goal and Chloe Callaghan made no mistake from the penalty spot in the 19th minute. Simonstown struggled during the opening quarter but they came to life in the second quarter registering 2-3 to lead by a brace at half time, 2-4 to 2-2.

Two minors from Callaghan in the opening five minutes of the new half leveled the match for the home side but both sides were wasteful in front of the posts for the next 15 minutes and failed to raise a flag of any description then two minors from play in as many minutes for Simonstown broke the deadlock and a converted free put them three points in front on 52 minutes, Callaghan reduced that deficit to a point on 57 minutes before Claire Reilly pounced on a deflected ball to send it through a crowded goalmouth to the back of the Simonstown net, Simonstown pulled one back, a point from play before Callaghan clipped over another point from play in the second minute of injury time. The Simonstown girls went on all out attack and found the back of the St. Michaels net only for the goal to be ruled out for a square ball.

From there the tension rose in both camps but St. Michaels responded once more when securing their own kick-out they patiently worked possession into attack and Lauren Reilly supplied another minor in the 63rd minute and Chloe Callaghan supplied what was to be the games final score three minutes later and secure her sides position in the Intermediate ranks for 2027. 

St. Michaels team & scorers: Laura Halpin; Kate Sheridan, Ciara Reilly, Deirbhile Curran; Anna Gilsenan, Áine Sheridan, Emma McDonnell; Claire Halpin, Ellie Jackson; Sinéad McCormack, Chloe

Report and photo: Pascal Reilly, PRO.