Video highlights: https://www.facebook.com/LadiesGaelicFootball/videos/345458670464735/
Louth Ladies traveled to Clane Co. Kildare on Sunday to play Offaly in what was to be a battle for the last position in the All Ireland Intermediate Quarter Finals.
The match was played at a furious pace from the off and an early save from Una Pearson set the stage.
Offaly were first off the mark but Louth clawed back 3 points on the trot from Lauren Boyle, Denise McKenna and Rebecca Carr to go into the first water break 3 points to 1 in the lead.
Louth continued the scoring prowess with a further 4 points from Laura Collins (2) Lauren Boyle and Kate Flood one a peice. Offaly then took advantage of an uncharacteristic open Louth defense just before half time to score a goal against the run of play.
Score at half time Offaly 1 – 3 Louth 7 points.
Offaly were first out of the blocks with a point to set down their intentions in the second half, but Louth’s composure in their defense allowed for quick movement of the ball resulting in 2 points from Niamh Rice and Michelle McMahon.
Louth kept to their task and with further pressure scored 2 goals from Kate Flood and Niamh Rice to go into the water break leading 2 – 9 to Offaly 1 – 5
With Offaly opening up at the back and playing more attacking football they were rewarded with a goal. But the Louth Ladies’s held firm scoring 2 goals in 2 minutes from Kate Flood and Laura Collins also a point from Roisin Kavanagh . Louth now well in the lead Offaly tried to salvage a win and scored a goal for their efforts. Ultimately Louth’s defense stood firm and finished off what was an overall excellent team effort to advance into the quarter finals.
Martina Nolan, Louth Ladies PRO
