Heartbreak for Louth in Leinster Junior Camogie final

A second half scoring spree saw Kildare edge out Louth in this Leinster Junior Camogie final, which ultimately saw them deservedly prevail on a six point margin, with full forward Milly O’Neill particularly influential with five second have strikes, as the Lillywhites boasted a sufficient lead, despite a late goal from Louth’s Claire Ward in second half stoppage time.

Despite being under the cosh, and having to withstand plenty of pressure from the team in white, Louth were not found to be lacking in spirit in a gallant effort, with Jessica Leonard, Lorainne McNicholl and Ellen McCarthy leading that defensive line, while Orla McGeeney and Jemma Murray continued to carry the fight to the opposition in midfield, while forwards Claire Ward and Paula Lohan worked tirelessly over the hour, willing to show for the ball at every opportunity.

Elsewhere, Louth’s keeper and player of the match Mairead McMahon was an oasis of calm between the posts, catching high ball after high ball, while she also helped Louth win 7 out of 10 on their own puckout in that first half.

It was the flawless free taking of forward Aoife Gregory which kept the Wee County in contention. Accounting for all of the Wee white flags over the hour, Gregory was on a one player mission, treating the crowd to striking of the highest quality, as well as finishing with 22 possessions in this final, as she played a deeper role, operating around the half forward line.

While Gregory was scoring for Louth, Kildare had a better spread of scorers, but were guilty of huge profligacy in that first half, accruing 1-3 from 15 first half shots, including 6 wides, and hitting the woodwork on several occasions.

Early frees from Gregory had the reds in front early on, as they led by 0-3 to 0-1 inside the first quarter, before the impressive centre back Saoirse Ni Mhuircheartaigh teed up Milly O’Neill for a strike from play, before the lively Orlaith McNeill picked up a loose ball in the square to grab Kildare’s goal, after a Rosie Hennessy shot dropped short.

A Milly O’Neill free had Rob O’Neill’s side ahead by 1-3 to 0-3 with 7 minutes left until the interval.

However, Louth deserve huge credit for not letting McNeill’s major deflate them, and with Aoife Gregory continuing to sparkle in front of the posts, Pauraic Dowdall’s charges were still in contention, as the St Kevins player converted a free, before fine work from Claire Ward saw Gregrory find the range from play to leave just a point between the sides with 2 minutes left until the break.

But Kildare had a few more attacking options in that final third, and a score from Hannah Finnerty who saw plenty possession over the hour, left it at 1-4 to 0-5 in her side’s favour at the break.

Second Half:

That second period saw Kildare get to grips with their opponents, and crucially make it count on the scoreboard, with Milly O’Neill finding the range at will in that period, with an impressive supporting cast of Hannah Finnerty, Orlaith Delaney and sub Mia Mahon adding their names to the scoresheet by the end of play.

Orlaith Delaney, Hannah Finnerty, Rosie Hennessey and Tara Cribbin also played their part Kildare win 7 out of 13 on the Louth puckout in that second period.

Along with McMahon, fellow sub Rachel Casey also had a hand in several second half scores for Milly O’Neill, as Kildare put breathing space between themselves and Louth.

Five quickfire points from Kildare, including O’Neill (4), and sub Mia Mahon had Kildare 1-9 to 0-5 ahead after 48 minutes, by the time Aoife Gregory ended Louth’s spell without a score, with a fine strike from play.

Hannah Finnerty, Milly O’Neill and Orlaith Delaney concluded the scoring for Kildare. However, Louth refused to throw in the towel, and a late goal from the hardworking Claire Ward put some respectability to the scoreboard, leaving six between the sides at the finish.

Louth: Mairead McMahon; Jessica Leonard, Clodagh Fennell, Aoife Dillon; Ellen McCarthy, Jane Carter, Lorraine McNicholl; Jemma Murray, Orla McGeeney; Claire Ward (1-0), Lauren Coyle, Orla Cunningham; Paula Lohan, Aoife Gregory (0-6) (3f) (one ’45), Niamh Fennell.

Subs: Emma Ward for Fennell (59).

Kildare: Martha Grogan; Lea Tydall, Fahsai Nic Chonchradha, Saoirse Coffey; Grainne Dowling, Saoirse Ni Mhuircheartaigh, Rianna Cribbin; Rosie Hennessy, Tara Cribbin; Hannah Finnerty (0-2), Orlaith Delaney (0-1), Michaela Kavanagh; Deirdre Cronin, Melissa (Milly) O’Neill (0-8) (1f) (one ’45), Orlaith McNeill (1-0).

Subs: Mia Mahon (0-1) for Cronin (HT), Rachel Casey for McNeill (38), Shona Maguire for Kavannagh (42), Deirdre Cronin for Finnerty (55).

Referee: Jason Buckley (Co Dublin).