Wrap: Wicklow and Laois book slots in TG4 Leinster intermediate final

WICKLOW and Laois have qualified for the TG4 Leinster Intermediate Final on Sunday July 1st in Dr. Cullen Park after their respective victories over Longford and Wexford this afternoon.

In Pearse Park, the visitors raced into an early lead, three points from Amy Murphy and goals from Laura Hogan and Meadhbh Deeney set up a 2-04 to 0-03 half-time lead. Longford suffered a blow at the end of the opening half with the sinbinning of Aoife Darcy but Darcy, Lauren Burke and Emer Heeney were on target for Paddy Dowd’s side.

Wicklow continued their scoring threat in the second half and a third goal from Marie Kealy all but sealed the contest for the Garden County. Three points from Meadhbh Deeney and points from Jackie Kinch, Sarah Miley and Laura Hogan ended the game as a contest and sealed the Division Four Champion’s place in the Leinster Intermediate Final.

In Bellefield, there was late drama as Laois overturned a five point half time deficit to win by one point, 2-11 to 1-13. Wexford led comfortably from the start leading by 0-09 to 0-04 at half-time including three well taken Caitriona Murray points. Wexford’s defence dealt well with the Laois threat in the opening half. Emma Lawlor split the posts on two occasions against the breeze for Kevin Doogue’s team.

Laois meant business from early in the second half, scoring 1-01 in a minute; Eva Galvin finding the back of the net and Emma Lawlor splitting the posts. A Bernie Breen goal re-established the lead for Wexford but Laois never gave up, chipping away at the scoreboard, Lawlor and Claire Conlon particularly efficient. Laura Nerney levelled the sides with five minutes to go with Conlon and Lawlor adding one each to put Mná Laoise two in front. Caitriona Murray did reduce the gap to one but the Division Three Champions ran out of time and it’s Mná Laoise who march on to the Leinster Final on July 1st in Dr. Cullen Park.

Full Time:

Wicklow 3-13, Longford 0-04

Laois 2-11, Wexford 1-13

The scene is now set for the TG4 Leinster Finals on July 1st in Dr. Cullen Park. First up at 12 noon will be the meeting of Carlow and Louth in the Junior Final. At 2pm, Laois will take on Wicklow in the Intermediate Final while at 4pm, Dublin will be looking to retain their Senior title when they go to battle with Westmeath.

TG4 Leinster Championship Finals – 1st July – Dr. Cullen Park

Junior; Carlow v Louth, 12 noon

Intermediate; Laois v Wicklow, 2pm

Senior; Dublin v Westmeath, 4pm