TG4 Connacht Ladies IFC
Leitrim 2-12 Roscommon 0-17
A late rally from Roscommon in the final 10 minutes just fell short as Leitrim survived to reach the Connacht final against Sligo in this very entertaining game played at splendidly appointed Croghan on Sunday last.
Two goals from Leitrim in the first half were key, and Roscommon were always playing catch-up – but they can take great heart from the spirit they showed throughout.
The good-sized crowd were treated to a very enjoyable match with two committed teams providing plenty of entertainment.
It was Leitrim who began best and by the 6th minute they led by 1-3 to 0-0. Aine Tighe was in commanding form for Leitrim and with Aileen Maguire blasting home a goal in the 4th minute, the visitors added points from Maguire, Tighe and Ailbe Clancy.
Roscommon got into the game with points from Jenny Downey (2), one a free, but the Leitrim dominance was maintained throughout most of the first half, although Martina Freyne and Jenny Downey were giving the Leitrim defence plenty of problems.
Points from the outstanding Jenny Downey (2) and Martina Freyne (2), had the lead down to three by the 29th minute. Then Leitrim struck for a second goal when Anna Conlon blasted home after more good work from Aine Tighe. Roscommon hit back with points from Jenny Downey and Jenny Higgins and at half-time the score was Leitrim 2-6 Roscommon 0-8.
Roscommon hit the ground running early in the second half and three points from Martina Freyne and Jenny Downey (2 frees) saw the home side come to within a point of their neighbours. But in the nature of this game every time Roscommon threatened to assume control Leitrim were able to respond, and they rattled over four points without reply by the 44th minute, three of those coming from Aine Tighe.
By the 53rd minute Leitrim led by 2-11 to 0-13 and looked set for a comfortable win. But Roscommon staged a desperate late surge. Jenny Downey and Jenny Higgins pointed to narrow the gap to two by the 56th minute. Then Deirdre Ward lifted the siege with a good Leitrim point – but Roscommon were in control now and driving forward. Jenny Downey pointed a free and Laura Fleming scored a fine point from play, and, as injury-time ran to over three minutes, the momentum was with Roscommon. They did have one last chance but sub Laura McLoone’s shot was easily cleared by the Leitrim defence and the visitors survived. Leitrim now play Sligo in the Connacht final while Roscommon must now go down the qualifier route.
Leitrim: Michelle Guckian; Claire Beirne, Sharon Kerrigan, Roisin McHugh; Aine Heslin, Lorraine Brennan, Melissa Hewitt; Sarah McLoughlin (0-1), Anna Conlon (1-0); Deirdre Ward (0-1), Niamh Tighe (0-1), Aileen Maguire (1-1); Ailbhe Glancy (0-1), Aine Tighe (0-7, 4 frees), Carla LeGuen. Subs: Bronagh O’Rourke for Clancy (41), Emma Guckian for Maguire (51).
Roscommon: Rachel Timothy; Feena Beirne, Niamh O’Beirne, Honor Ennis; Aisling McAuliffe, Louise Tully, Sorcha Bruen; Jenny Higgins (0-2), Sinead Kenny; Siobhan Tully, Rachel Ryan, Laura Fleming (0-1); Nicola Tully, Martina Freyne (0-4), Jenny Downey (0-10, 8 frees). Subs: Jenny Conlon for Ryan (51), Laura McLoone for N Tully (51), Caoileann Beirne for Freyne (56).
Referee: Gerry Carmody (Mayo).
