Rampant Reds see off Wexford to reach final

LADIES GAA LEINSTER MINOR SHIELD

LOUTH were much too strong for Wexford in the wind and rain of Termonfeckin on Saturday last as they secured a place in this season’s Leinster Minor Shield final, reports Dermot Woods.

The final is down for decision next weekend with Kilkenny or Wicklow, who meet this weekend, providing the opposition.

In a fast paced opening, Louth started the better with two well taken points from rising star Lauren Boyle, but the Slaneysider’s hit back with a goal from Sarah Figgis and a point from Niamh Dunne to gave the visitors a 1-1 to 0-2 lead after seven minutes.

Wexford’s 1-1 was a real test of metal for the young Reds, but their response between then and the half time break when they led by 3-5 to 1-7 told a lot as they dominated the remainder of the half.

Lauren Boyle netted their first goal midway through the half, while Clan Na Gael star Ciara Woods grabbed two goals, the second from the penalty spot with Boyle and Hannah Carolan tacking on points.

Points from Tegan Furlong, Ciara O’Connor, Annmarie Benn and Kate Hendrick kept Wexford within touching distance as Louth took a 3-5 to 1-7 lead into the break despite playing against the breeze.

Louth again started the half better with points from Aoife Russell (2) and Rachel McNally leaving the Reds well placed as they led by 3-10 to 1-7 on forty one minutes

With the game drifting beyond Wexford, they were thrown a lifeline in the 52nd minute as a Louth defender was adjudged to have fouled Kate Hendrick as she attempted a shot at goal for an alleged foot block, with Referee Finbarr Shanahan awarding a penalty.

Louth ‘keeper Grainne Boyle brilliantly kept out Hendrick’s spot kick, but the Wexford forward just beat the Gers custodian to the follow up and despite getting a touch to the second shot, Boyle was unlucky to see the ball trickle into the net.

The score did little to dent a confident Louth as they responded instantly with the excellent Aoife Russell finishing a fine four player move with a superb point to complete the scoring.

The Louth management of ex-Cooley star Sonia Gernon, Na Pairsaigh’s Edel Woods and Gerry Callan will be pleased as their side showed all the attributes to win the game. Louth played with conviction and confidence to secure a fully deserved win. LOUTH: Grainne Boyle (Geraldines); Ciara Matthews (St.Mary’s), Orla McEvoy (St. Fechins), Ciara McQuillan (Geraldines); Ceire Nolan (St.Fechins), Grainne Murray (St.Kevins), Seoda Matthews (Oliver Plunketts); Sophie Murtagh(Geraldines), Abbie O’Connor (Geraldines); Lauren Boyle (Cooley Kickhams) 1-5, Ciara Woods (Clan Na Gael) 2-1, Aoife Russell (Glen Emetts) 0-4; Hannah Carolan (St.Mary’s) 0-1, Rachel McNally (Stabannon) 0-1; Bronagh McArdle (St.Brides) 0-1. Subs used: Sarah McArdle, Sorcha McCoey, Jade Reddy.