Fitting farewell for Louth Ladies star Flood

Louth Ladies captured the All-Ireland Junior Football Championship against Antrim, and at the heart of it all was forward Kate Flood, who contributed four points in what was her final appearance in the red jersey.

After 15 years of service, Flood bowed out on the biggest stage with a performance that showcased both leadership and composure in a tense affair.

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Speaking after the game, Flood reflected on what the win meant to her personally. She said: “Obviously, I've been here a few times before, but yeah, this is definitely up here with one of the proudest moments of my career, so delighted with it.”

Antrim struck first blood with a penalty goal early in the first half, but Louth’s calm response demonstrated the kind of maturity that can only come from a seasoned team.

“The penalty, we weren't obviously expecting it, but we prepared ourselves for moments like that in the game, and the girls, they're unreal.

“We gave away the penalty, right, that's fine, but we dug deep and then we got the scores on the board, then going into the half-time. We were one up then, so we were happy enough with that.”

Half-time lead

Levelling the game and edging ahead just before the interval proved pivotal, both tactically and psychologically.

“We knew Antrim, they're a strong side, they're fast, they're physical, and going into the game, we just had to focus on what we'd been training at.

“We'd done scenarios like that, that might have given away a penalty or down five points at half-time, and we just stuck to the game plan, and lucky enough that it got us over the line.”

Second-half surge

Although Antrim levelled again at the start of the second half, Louth's response was emphatic, rattling off five unanswered points to seize control of the contest.

“We knew kind of if we got a couple of points ahead that we'd be able to drive on it, there's plenty of girls that's well able to take scores.

“We have a lot of runners like Céire (Nolan) here beside me, that would just run all day for you, and yeah, look, we're just delighted that we got the win in the end.”

Champions send-off

The moment was bittersweet for Flood, who confirmed this was her final appearance in the Louth jersey.

“Definitely, it's been a long 15 years of it, but I wouldn't change anything for the world, I'm really proud to be part of the county set-up.

“I can't wait to be supporting the girls next year, and I hope they give their all and they're a special bunch.”

She leaves behind a team ready to step up to the Intermediate grade in 2026 — and a legacy built on dedication and class.

“I think there's a showcase there today that they can push on, definitely, and if they dig deep and all stick together, I've no doubt that they'll be able to compete next year at Intermediate.”

Momentum

Louth’s season, which built steadily from the league to provincial glory and now national success, has created a strong platform for next year.

“It's great, we take each game as they come, like we don't kind of look too far forward, and that's just kind of how we approach the year.

“We work on what we need to kind of improve from the previous games, and that's what they'll do going into next year.”

And while fans might hope for one more season from the county ace, her decision is made, and it's filled with pride, not regret.

“It's something I've obviously thought about, and yeah, it's not an easy one for me to say, but yeah, this was kind of my last outing for Louth, and I'm very proud of it.

“I'm not going to get emotional now, I've done enough crying, but it's been an absolute privilege to be able to go on to county jersey.

“To run out with the girls that have been there, and the previous girls, but there's a savage talent coming through Louth, and I just wish them all the best.”