Louth in Leinster LGFA JFC final

Louth continued their run in their Leinster LGFA TG4 Junior Championship by securing place in the final following a well-deserved victory against Longford at Darver on Friday night.

The Wee County displayed their intent from the start when an early point from Louise Byrne set the tone for the rest of the game. Despite facing brief periods of pressure from the visitors, Louth remained composed.

Louth's win was a team effort with several players contributing significantly. The performance of Byrne and Cérie Nolan in defence proved a solid foundation, while the trio of Áine Breen, Eimear Byrne, and Aoife Halligan's enabled a smooth transition from defence to attack, where Aoife Russell and Kate Flood proved clinical.

The turning point came in the second half when Mia Duffy's defensive heroics paved the way for a crucial goal from Aoife Russell, swinging the momentum decisively in Louth's favor.

The Wee County capitalized on their dominance from there with Kate Flood and Niamh Rice adding further points to secure their victory.

Despite Longford's attempts to mount a comeback, Louth's defense stood firm, with goalkeeper Rebecca Lambe-Fagan making crucial saves to deny their opponents. Louth's backline displayed composure and resilience to ensure that Longford's attacks were swiftly snuffed out

Paul Hanlon's side now turns their attention to the Leinster Championship final showdown against Carlow, buoyed by the confidence gained from their impressive performance.

As they set their sights on clinching the Leinster title, Louth remains a formidable force to be reckoned with in the provincial stage.

Louth: Rebecca Lambe-Fagan; Caitlin O’Reilly, Éimear Murray (0-1), Céire Nolan; Louise Byrne, Áine Breen (c), Holly Lambe-Sally, Aoife Halligan, Éimear Byrne; Mia Duffy, Rachel O’Connor-Leonard, Niamh Rice (0-3); Aoife Russell (1-2), Kate Flood (1-7), Ciara Woods.

Substitutes: Anna Whyte for O’Relly (45’), Claire McDonald for O’Connor-Leonard (48’), Carrie Keenan for Duffy (53’), Eilís Hand for Woods (53’), Rósín Maguire for Russell (60’).

Longford: Riane McGrath; Leah Shannon, Éimear O’Brien, Grace Kenny; Ciara Mulligan, Orla Nevin, Caoimhe McCormack (c); Sian Gallagher (0-1), Shauna Hagan; Joanne Whyte, Grace Shannon (0-3), Katelyn McKeon; Clodagh Lohan (0-1), Niamh Brady (1-2), Kamille Burke.

Substitutes: Fumni Talabi for Mulligan (42’), Caoimhe Lohan for Whyte (42’), Elle Lynn for McKeon (55’).

Referee: Kevin O’Donnell (Dublin).