Lethal Louth prove too hot for Carlow in Leinster final
Louth Carlow 3-9 0-8
MUCH like the weather Louth proved too hot for Carlow to handle as the ‘Wee County’ scorched to provincial glory in Dr Cullen Park on Sunday for the first time since 2015.
Helped by a two-goal performance from debutante Niamh Rice Louth ran out easy winners on an emotional day for all connected with the team.
Manager Micheal McKeown took ill on the morning of the semi-final victory over Kilkenny and passed away two days later, so there was an extra determination by the players to do well.
A minute’s silence in his memory was observed before throw-in.
In the opening fixture of a triplein Carlow, the visitors led 1-2 to 0-4 at the break after enjoying the bulk of possession but notching five wides against none by their opponents.
Indeed, it took an expertly converted penalty by captain and player of the match Kate Flood in the 21st minute to give Louth a foot-hold, the spot-kick having been won by Rice.
Carlow were guilty of three quick wides on the resumption, though the hosts remained in contention at 1-5 to 0-6 until Rice pounced for a goal as she delivered a brilliant finish to the net, chipping the ball over the ‘keeper in the 42nd minute.
The 17-year-old Cooley Kickhams sharpshooter quickly followed with a couple of points from play and suddenly Carlow were in deep trouble.
In the 53rd minute The Reds, guided by new manager Darren Bishop, made absolutely certain when they opened up the opposition. Rice had plenty of options but took on the responsibility for her second goal.
LOUTH: Una Pearson; Michelle McMahon, Eilis Hand, Shannen McLaughlin; Eimear Murray, Ceire Nolan, Bronagh McGrane; Sinead Woods, Roisin Kavanagh; Aoife Russell (0–1), Kate Flood (1–2, 1f), Niamh Rice (2–2); Lauren Boyle (0–3, 2f), Catherine McGlew (0–1), Aine Breen. Subs: Michelle McArdle for E Murray (49 mins); Claire Donnelly for E Hand (54), Shauna Markey for B McGrane (57).
CARLOW: Nicole Hanley; Antoinette Dowling, Amy Dooley, Louise Barry; Maria Kinsella, Niamh Forde, Orlagh Hickey; Ellen Atkinson, Ann Roche; Nuala Mohan, Aoibhinn Gilmartin (0–3, 2f) Muireann O’Sullivan; Grania Murphy, Laura Corrigan, Rachel Sawyer (0–2). Subs: Leah Mullins for G Murphy (38 mins) Roisin Byrne for N Mohan (46), Michelle Dermody for O Hickey (49), Marion Hayden for N Forde (55), Kate Nolan for L Barry (55).
REFEREE: Niall McCormack (Laois).