Halligan hails teammates as Louth win LGFA Division Three league title

Louth added more silverware to the cabinet when they edged past Antrim in the Lidl LGFA National Football League Division Three final in Crossmaglen this afternoon.

It was a contest shaped by harsh conditions and fine margins, but the Wee County held their nerve when it mattered most and midfielder Aoife Halligan summed up the mood at the final whistle.

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She said: “It was really tough with the weather and everything, but we just kept ploughing along, and we got the last score in the end, so we're delighted.

“Like you never know what can happen in those days against Antrim, especially because they have such good forwards.

“If you get the ball to them, so you can never be too sure about the last point or the winning point, but we just proved today that we're that, just that bit ahead.

“There was a lot during the week about who would win, who would win, we always knew it would be a really, really close game, like a draw, one point, two points, that was all, it was never going to be.”

Conditions

Strong wind and rain made for difficult football, as decision-making was tested throughout, but the Wee County adapted well to the conditions.

“Like I think when you're playing into it, you're more cautious, and you keep the ball more and then when you get it in the second half, you tend to just kick it in.

“But we found out that that didn't really work, and we just kept moving it through the hands, and when you were trying to defend against that, it was hailstones in your face, so I'm very proud of everybody for how they handled it today.”

Lynch score

The decisive moment came in the closing seconds as substitute Laura Lynch stepped up to keep her composure under pressure and nail the execution in the wind.

“Oh, absolutely, you just depend on Laura (Lynch) to get that winning point any day. The calm and composure, in the last seven seconds to put it over with the wind just blowing side to side, she's just super, she did so well there today.”

Team effort

Halligan’s influence has been consistent throughout the campaign, but she was quick to deflect praise onto the group.

“I am, we all just work so hard, and it does pay off in these games, and I just think year in year out we're just getting so much better as a team.

“We just know each other so well, and I'm delighted with my own contribution, like I'd do anything for those girls out on the pitch.”

Antrim

Despite the result, there was an acknowledgement of Antrim’s quality and their own progress.

“So they're going to be in the junior or intermediate, but they'll do very well in that junior, and I'm delighted for them to be promoted as well, they're a great team, and they're nice girls.”

Lamb-Sally injury

Louth were dealt a setback in the first half with the loss of Holly Lamb-Sally, but they responded and their quad depth told.

“Huge, and she was doing so well, so quick getting out in front of the ball, and we did miss her, but we do have the players to come in, and Rachel Beirth just came straight in, and it was just as if there was nobody missing.

“That's the thing about this team, we have two players for every position, but no, I'd say a few weeks, and Holly will be back with us.”

Next

Attention now shifts to the step up to Leinster intermediate and All-Ireland intermediate championships, but Halligan remains grounded.

“I'm tired even listening to all that, but now we just keep working and ploughing along, and we'll get through those games as well. If we don't make mistakes, we'll do well in those games.”