Louth Ladies book their place in All-Ireland JFC semi-final
Louth 2-12 Sligo 0-14
Louth Ladies secured a four point victory over Sligo this afternoon at Páirc na nGael, Dundalk, clinching the top spot in Group A of the LGFA TG4 All-Ireland Junior Football Championship.
With the win, Louth remain unbeaten in the group and will progress with confidence into the semi-final stage of the competition.
The match, which had a competitive edge, saw Louth finish the game 2-12 to 0-14, despite a late rally from Sligo in the second half.
The Wee County showed their attacking prowess early, with captain Áine Breen firing in a goal after just three minutes.
Sligo quickly responded with a couple of points from Anna McDaniel and Leah Duffy, but Louth continued to build their lead.
Lucy White added a second Louth goal in the 22nd minute after some clever play. The two goals proved to be crucial as Louth held a comfortable five point lead at halftime.
Sligo had a goal chance late in the first half, but Louth goalkeeper Rebecca Lambe-Fagan was quick to deny Sinead Regan with a brilliant save.
Half time: Louth 2-5 Sligo 0-6
After the break, Louth continued their dominance, with Aoife Russell and Eimear Byrne getting crucial points.
Despite some accurate free-taking from Sligo’s Leah Duffy and Sarah Feeney, Louth remained in control throughout.
As Sligo's attempts to break through were repeatedly thwarted by Louth’s strong defense and Lambe-Fagan’s impressive goalkeeping, the game wound down with Louth finishing with a six-point lead.
Late scores from Kate Flood and Ceire Nolan sealed the victory for the hosts, leaving Sligo with too much to do.
Louth’s scoring was spread across the field, with Lucy White contributing a goal and a point, while Aoife Russell and Kate Flood chipped in with important scores.
Sligo’s Leah Duffy and Sarah Feeney were their standout players, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Louth’s clinical finishing and solid defensive work.
Louth’s victory in this final group stage match caps off an unbeaten run in Group A. They will now look ahead to the semi-final stages with momentum on their side, aiming to go all the way in this year’s competition.
Full time: Louth 2-12 Sligo 0-14
Louth: Rebecca Lambe-Fagan; Rachel Beirth, Eilis Hand, Eimear Murray; Seoda Matthews, Shannen McLaughlin, Louise Byrne; Áine Breen (c) (1-0), Aoife Halligan (0-1); Lucy White (1-1), Eimear Byrne (0-1), Aoife Russell (0-3); Holly Lambe-Fagan, Kate Flood (0-2), Ceire Nolan (0-1).
Subs: Mia Duffy on for Holly Lambe-Sally, Ciara Woods on for Seoda Matthews, Zara Sweeney on for Aoife Russell.
Sligo: Ellen McGuire; Aisling Molloy, Hannah Walsh, Jennie Creegan; Robyn Kennedy (0-1), Tara Doddy, Tara Breheny; Sinead Regan (c), Ciara Walsh (0-1); Megan McCormack, Ellen Kelleher (0-1), Sarah Feeney (0-3); Leah Duffy (0-4), Cora Gilligan, Anna McDaniel (0-1).
Subs: Nisha McDonagh on for Hannah Walsh, Lauren Normanly (0-1) on for Aisling Molloy, Ciara Gorman on for Ellen Kelleher, Nicola Brennan (0-1) on for Cora Gilligan.
Referee: Aaron Clogher (Roscommon).