Louth V Laois – All Ireland Intermediate Championship Quarter Finals – Kinnegad 8/8/2021
Today the Louth Ladies travelled to Kinnegad to face Laois for a place in the All Ireland Intermediate Championship Semi Final. Laois having won Division 3 in the National Football League were favourites however the Louth Ladies put it up to them right to the final whistle.
Louth started very strongly with a goal and a point from the Cooley sharp shooter Lauren Boyle in the first five minutes. Laois responded with 2 points and their first goal just before the water break.
Score at 1st Water break Laois 1 – 2 Louth 1 – 1
When play resumed Laois and Louth traded points , Louth point scored by Eimear Byrne. But Laois then scored 3 unanswered points to build a solid lead. Louth were reduced to 14 players for 10 minutes after Lauren Boyle received a yellow card. Kate Flood scored a point just before half time to keep Louth within touching distance.
Score at Half Time Laois 1- 6 to Louths 1 – 3
Louth Ladies came out fighting for the second half and had the sides level within 5 minutes with a great goal scored by Kate Flood. With the defense holding strong Louth took the lead with a well worked point from Lauren Boyle. Laois then had a period of dominance when Louth found it hard to get out of their own half scoring 2 – 2 unanswered. Score at the second water break Laois 3 – 8 to Louths 2 – 4.
Play resumed after the last water break and the Louth Ladies put in a strong effort narrowing the deficit and a disallowed Kate Flood goal would have brought them within 3 points. However it was not to be and it was Laois who progressed to the All Ireland Intermediate Championship Semi Final.
Final Score Laois 3 – 9 to Louth 2 – 6.
A great performance from the Louth Ladies today rounded off what was significant progress achieved in 2021 winning the National Football League Division 4 and consolidating their position at Intermediate Championship Level. Full credit to the entire panel who showed total commitment throughout the season and to Wayne Freeman and his management team for their guidance and motivation.
I have been proud to act as PRO for such a great bunch of girls who have provided such sporting entertainment to us all.
Photos by Warren Matthews
