Louth GAA: St Patrick's suffer painful one point defeat to Shelmaliers

St Patricks became one of two Louth clubs to have the misfortune of seeing their provincial club championship campaign end with a painful one point defeat, as the Louth Senior Ladies champions quest for Leinster glory fell at the semi final stage. A late free from Ailis Neville secured Shelmaliers place in the Intermediate Leinster decider in a few weeks time.

Ultimately, Shelmalier just had that composure when it came down to it, despite the Pats breaching their defence for three goals in this quarter final clash, with marquee forward Kate Flood once again in imperious form, scoring 2-3 over the hour.

A goal in each half from Flood, along with some impressive shooting from the talented Grace Treanor, whose scoring exploits have also played a key role in the Lordship sides successful run in 2023, which has seen them secure the division one league and senior championship double, including seeing off their local rivals Cooley Kickhams in the senior decider last month.

Along with Treanor and Flood, lively forwards like Meg Woods, and Niamh Holland also deserve particular mention, with a first half goal from Niam Holland, meant that both sides were deadlocked at the break, at 2-3 to 1-6, with the Shelmalier goal emanating from Siobhan Cloake.

Shelmalier are a side which boasts plenty of experience, with several of their team having featured in All Ireland inter county finals for Wexford over the years, while stalwart Rosin Murphy picked up an All Star at this year’s LGFA Awards on Friday night.

Other players who starred for Wexford on the inter-county scene also include Clara Donnelly, Aoibhe Manley, along with Sarah Harding Kenny, whose second half major played a key role in her side’s progression to that semi final.

This experience ultimately came to the fore for the Wexford side, who progressed to this final late on with that last gasp free from Neville, despite the best efforts from Flood and co.

Nevertheless, the Pats can look back on a remarkably prosperous 2023. Along with their senior league and championship double secured, they also have a rearranged Junior ladies decider against Roche Emmets to look forward to.

St Patricks: Rebecca Lambe Fagan; Melissa O’Hanlon, Caoimhe Breen, Deirbhle O’Doherty; Ellen Barry, Anna White, Meabh Butterly; Aine Breen, Saoirse Butterly; Carrie Keenan, Grace Treanor (0-2) (1f), Aisling O’Doherty; Niamh Holland (1-0), Kate Flood (2-3) (2f), Meg Woods (0-1).

Subs: Niamh Butterly for Breen (32).

Shelmalier: Sadbh McCarthy; Aobhe Manley, Shauna Murphy, Ciara Neville; Eleanor Neville, Roisin Murphy, Deirdre Byrne; Clara Donnelly, Kellie Kearney; Siobhan Cloake (1-0), Aine Lacey(0-1), Ciara Donohoe (0-1); Deirdre McMahon (0-1); Sarah Harding Kenny (1-0), Ailis Neville (0-7) (6f).

Subs: Beth Malone for Donohoe (47).