Meath Survive Visit to Limerick

Lidl National Football League
It was a game of two half’s as the Meath Ladies dug deep to come away with a three point victory over Limerick in Staker Wallace GAA Club, Martinstown GAA,  Limerick. Losing by 0-9 to 1-1 with 38 minutes on the clock the Royals looked to be heading for a heavy defeat but with the wind at their backs and the aid of a Limerick sin bin Meath kicked eight unanswered points to swing the result in their favour. 

Playing against a strong wind it was the travelling side who split the posts first when Fiona O’Neill won the Limerick kick out before popping the ball off to the oncoming Aisling O’Reilly to score. Almost immediately the home side replied with their own point courtesy of Mairead Kavanagh’s first of the match. 

With twelve minutes on the clock a lovely team move ended with the ball in the back of the Limerick net. Ailbhe McHugh drove at the defense before finding O’Neill in space and her effort rebounded to Niamh Gallogly who made no mistake from five yards out. 

Despite the quick start it was almost a half an hour before the Royals scored again and Limerick began to use the wind to their advantage. They closed out the half in good fashion with points from Kate Kennedy and three from Kavanagh to leave Limerick a point ahead at the interval. 

Half-Time: Limerick 0-5 Meath 1-1

The home side restarted proceedings exactly as they finished and began to set a gap between themselves and their opponents. Further points from Kavanagh (2), Stephanie Carroll and Niamh Holland left five points between the teams. At this stage Limerick looked the more dominant side however little did anyone know it would turn out to be their last score. 

The Royals never panicked and they ended their scoring drought after 41mins when O’Neill kicked her side back into the match. Two minutes later she slotted over again and when substitute Laura Gilsenan pointed a free the momentum quickly turned to favour the travelling team. 

With 13mins left in the match Limerick captain Olivia Giltenane was sent to the sin bin which gave the Royals the extra push to get over the line. Vikki Wall drove through the centre of the park before receiving the ball back to kick over the black spot and a minute later the teams were level when O’Neill pointed again. With five minutes remaining Meath regained the lead with another point from O’Neill before Wall and Gallogly finished the scoring with a point a piece to make it two wins from two.

Next up for Meath will be Roscommon. This game will be played on Sunday February 19^th and is a home venue for Meath. Details TBC.
Full-Time: Limerick 0-9 Meath 1-9

Meath Scorers: Niamh Gallogly 1-1, Fiona O’Neill 0-4, Vikki Wall 0-2, Aisling O’Reilly 0-1, Laura Gilsenan 0-1 (free).

 

Limerick Scorers: Mairead Kavanagh 0-6 (0-3 frees), Niamh Holland 0-1, Stephanie Carroll 0-1, Kate Kennedy 0-1.

 

Meath Team: Catriona Keogan, Marie Keogh, Sarah Powderly, Aideen Smith; Vikki Wall, Maire O’Shaughnessy, Michelle Peel, Paula Dunne, Ailbhe McHugh, Megan Thynne, Emma White, Niamh Gallogly, Aisling O’Reilly, Niamh Crowe, Fiona O’Neill.

Subs –  Laura Gilsenan for Dunne (30m), Dunne for Smith (HT), Karley Leavey for McHugh (HT), Joanna Byrne for Crowe (40m), Laura Gilsenan for Thynne (44m), Siofra Cleary for Leavey (44m), Orla Byrne for O’Neill (60m).

 

Division 3 – Round 2
Half time: Limerick 0-5 Meath 1-1
Full time: Limerick 0-9 – Meath 1-9

Staker Wallace GAA Club, Limerick
Date: Sunday 5th February 
Referee: Des McEnery (Westmeath)