Louth clinch LGFA NFL Division Three league title with late Lynch free 

Louth were crowned Lidl LGFA National Football League Division Three champions after a one-point win over Antrim in difficult conditions at St Oliver Plunkett Park, Crossmaglen this afternoon.

Substitute Laura Lynch proved the difference after she converting a last-gasp free as the hooter sounded to settle the game in front of a large crowd.

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The Wee County made a bright start with Eimear Byrne pointing inside 30 seconds, but Antrim responded through Aoibheann Monaghan, before points from Áine Breen and Ciara Woods had Louth two points ahead early on.

Antrim struck for the game’s first goal on eight minutes when Monaghan finished from close range, helping her side into a 1-2 to 0-3 lead.

The Reds replied with a Sophie Everitt free and another Byrne point, but Antrim stayed in front with scores from Theresa Mellon.

Kevin Larkin’s Louth side suffered a setback midway through the half when Holly Lambe-Sally was forced off injured and replaced by Rachel Beirth. Antrim missed a number of chances but still led by one point at the break.

Half time: Louth 0-6 Antrim 1-4

Antrim extended their lead early in the second half through Laura Agnew, but Louth began to make their pressure count.

Everitt added another free before a key moment when Rebecca Lambe-Fagan produced a low save to deny Maria O’Neill a goal.

Louth took control four minutes later when substitute Grace Hoey scored a fine goal, her effort from distance dropping into the net to put the Reds two points ahead.

Antrim responded well, with points from Omolara Dahunsi and substitute Cliodhna Logan levelling the game before Logan edged them in front.

Louth hit back through Lucy White and Aoife Halligan to regain the lead entering the closing stages.

Maria O’Neill levelled again leaving the sides tied heading into added time, but with the final play, Louth won a free and Laura Lynch converted from close range to secure the win.

It was a hard-fought contest but Louth stepped up when it mattered to claim the Division Three title and add to their already secured promotion.

Full time: Louth 1-10 Antrim 1-9.

Louth: Rebecca Lambe-Fagan; Seoda Matthews, Eilis Hand, Holly Lambe-Sally; Amy Murray, Shannen McLaughlin, Louise Byrne; Aoife Halligan (0-1), Aine Breen (c) (0-1); Lucy White (0-1), Ceire Nolan, Zara Sweeney; Eimear Byrne (0-3), Sophie Everitt (0-3, 2f), Ciara Woods (0-1).

Subs: Rachel Beirth on for Holly Lambe Sally (22’), Grace Hoey (1-0) on for Louise Byrne (HT), Aoife Russell on for Zara Sweeney (54’), Emma Thompson on for Ciara Woods (54’), Laura Lynch (0-1, 1f) on for Sophie Everitt (58’).

Antrim: Aine Devlin; Hannah Donaghy, Maeve Blaney, Maeve Mulholland; Duana Coleman, Ciara Brown, Aiobheann Monaghan (1-1), Laura Agnew (0-1), Aine Tubridy; Theresa Mellon (0-2), Omolara Dahunsi (0-1), Carla McKenna; Bronagh Devlin (c), Maria O’Neill (0-1), Alyssa Davidson (0-1).

Subs: Anna McGarry on for Hannah Donaghy (45’), Cliodhna Logan (0-2) on for Duana Coleman (46’), Caitlin Taggart on for Alyssa Davidson (55’).

Referee: Gus Champion (Sligo).