Louth show poor performance in first round of Championship

Louth Ladies show poor performance in first round of Championship

Louth 0-6 Laois 6-9

Louth ladies were heavily defeated by Laois in the first round
of the Senior Championship on Saturday last in Hunterstown.
Louth got off to a scoring start with a point from Ann Marie
Murphy. However from this on the game was not to go Louths
way. Laois were unlucky to the hit the cross bar minutes later
and a great clearance by Grace Lynch kept Louth in the game.
Good play by Vicky McGinn, Elaine Rogan and Sharon Drumgoole
resulted in another point for Louth, giving them a two point
lead. However, Martina Dunne from Laois responded with a point
to put her side in the game. A free was then awarded to Laois
and a great catch by Grace Lynch ensured that Louth remained
ahead. A penalty was then awarded to Laois which they put
wide, keeping Louth in the game. However. Laois responded
quickly and Emer Fitzpatrick made no mistake this time hitting
the back of the Louth net. A free in was then awarded to Louth
for a foul on Sharon Drumgoole and Louth lost possession which
resulted in a slack goal to Laois putting them five points
ahead. Ann Marie Murphy was unlucky not to have converted
two frees awarded in close succession and Louth still remained
five points behind. Martina Dunne was to further punish the
Louth mistakes resulting from continuous interception of short
passing by converting two further points, followed by a point
from Emer Fitzpatrick. This was followed by a point from Louths
Tara Lynch, leaving the score Louth 0-3 to Laois 2-4 at half
time.

Louth got off to a good start in the second half, winning
possession in the middle of the field. Sharon Drumgoole made
a great run through the centre and was unlucky not to convert
a score. A free was awarded to Laois and a great clearance
by Ann Marie Murphy ensured that there was no score. Bad passing
by Louth, resulted in the ball being intercepted by Laois
who punished Louth by once again hitting the back of the net.
Louth were finding it increasingly difficult to gain possession
from kick outs which they ultimately paid the price for. Claire
Conlon for Laois set her sights yet again on the Louth net
and keeper Johann Fedigan had no chance. Laois had now scored
two goals and three points in the second half without reply
from Louth. Louth were then awarded a free and Ann Marie Murphy
converted this time. It seemed to go Louths way then for a
few minutes with a penalty being awarded for a foul on Sharon
Drumgoole. Sandra Lynch stepped up to take the penalty and
unfortunately she missed which further dampened Louths hopes
of a comeback. Laois proved to be the dominant team throughout
the match and the final score reflected this with Laois going
outright winners by 6-9 to Louths 0-6.

This was a very disappointing match for the Louth ladies who
are now to play in final of the Division 2A National League
this Sunday. It was evident from the Louth line out that the
team is carrying a lot of injuries and as a result some players
have to play out of normal position, which clearly impinged
on their performance on Saturday. It was clear from the performance
on Saturday last that a lot of hard training is required this
week. Best for Louth on Saturday were Vicky McGinn, Bronagh
Leonard and Ann Marie Lynch.

Scorers: Ann Marie Murphy 0-4 Tara Lynch 0-1 Sharon
Drumgoole 0-1

Team: 1.Johann Fedigan, 2. Lisa Maguire, 3. Grace Lynch,
4. Ann Marie Lynch, 5. Vicky McGinn, 6. Edel McKeown, 7. Sandra
Lynch, 8. Orlaith Kirk(captain), 9. Elaine Rogan, 10. Tara
Lynch, 11. Sharon Drumgoole, 12 Bronagh Leonard, 13 Mary Maloney,
14. Roisin Hanlon, 15. Ann Marie Murphy
Subs 16. A.N Other, 17. Grainne Reid, 18. Aine McGee,
19, Jenny Mulligan, 21. Trisha Marmion 22. Kim Lynch 23. Karin
O’Hehir