Westmeath book date with Royal neighbours

LADIES IFC: WESTMEATH will face neighbours Meath in the TG4 AllIreland IFC final in three weeks’ time thanks to their 2-9 to 0-13 semi-final win over Roscommon.

Ciara Blundell’s first-minute goal and a second from Karen Hegarty in added time at the end of the opening half proved the difference as Seán Finnegan’s side maintained their perfect form with a hard-fought victory at Pearse Park in Longford.

“I know scores win games, but today was about defence, today was a grind,” said Finnegan. Despite the disappointing start, Roscommon bossed most of the first 30 minutes, and with captain Laura Fleming in excellent form from placed balls they gradually grew back into the game.

Aimee O’Connor and Fleming helped the Connacht side to five straight points and they led by the midway point of the half, but a fortunate goal from Hegarty meant Westmeath were ahead by 2-6 to 0-8 at the break.

After the setback Michael Finneran’s side were impressive after the restart and they scored the first three points of the half but they could never draw level.

Meath, who’ve lost consecutive finals are back in the decider following their 4-13 to 0-4 victory over Clare.

Niamh O’Sullivan’s excellent early goal, a penalty in each half from Stacey Grimes and Bridgetta Lynch’s strike after the restart saw Meath wrestle total control.

At the back they were just as impressive. Meath filtered most of their forwards back behind the ball and created an impenetrable shield that Clare rarely broke through – Clare didn’t score at all in the second half.