Leitrim Ladies – All Ireland Intermediate Champions

Many congratulations to the Leitrim Ladies team and panel on their fantastic win in Croke Park today. It was a very entertaiing game and Leitrim never lost their composure something no doubt they gained from last years experience. A homecoming event will be held tomorrow evening as all teams are tonight in the City West hotel for the Post Match Banquet. Full details of the homecoming will be posted here tomorrow.

 

The following is match report by RTE and the photo is courtesy of Inpho

 

A tremendous display by the 34-year-old Ann Marie Cox, who scored eight points, ensured that Leitrim won only their second-ever adult Ladies football title and a first-ever Intermediate success at Croke Park this afternoon.

The final was certainly on a knife-edge throughout and although Wexford held a 0-05 to 0-01 lead after nine-and-a-half minutes play, they were certainly tested by a very committed and strong Leitrim team who turned a four-point deficit into a two-point interval lead.

Leitrims first and only point of the opening ten minutes came from half-forward Anna Conlon, but Wexford were strong and excellent points from Deirdre Fox, Caroline Murphy, Sharon Kehoe, Liz Evered and Kate Kelly gave Brendan Dardis charges the early advantage.

However, Leitrim suddenly bounced back strongly with four points in a three-minute spell, with veteran player Cox in excellent form from placed balls, while Eileen Donaghue and Sarah McLoughlin were also on target as the sides were level for the second time.

Wexford regained the lead thanks to a Josie Dwyer effort but Leitrim responded well.

Following a superb save by goalkeeper Louise Loughlin from a Kate Kelly shot, the Leitrim side bossed the tie until the interval with another Cox pointed free and two Sarah McLoughlin points from play ensuring a 0-08 to 0-06 half-time lead for them.

Caroline Murphy responded well for Wexford with the first point after the restart but Leitrim still held the lead. Yet the purple and gold-clad side quickly broke in front thanks to a well-worked goal from Kate Kelly, who shook off the challenge of two defenders to score.

But Wexfords lead was to be short-lived as the free-taking machine that is Ann Marie Cox scored her sides next four points. Coxs dead ball prowess, along with scores from Eileen Donaghue and Sarah McLoughlin, saw Leitrim build up a 0-15 to 1-08 lead.

Wexford managed to point two frees in quick succession but Leitrim continued to remain strong and an excellent point from play from Cox summed up Leitrims day.

Wexford never gave up but Leitrims defence remained resilient and they went on to lift a first adult title since 1988.

Leitrim: L Loughlin; C Holohan, S Brennan, M McKeon (0-01); C Tyrell, L Brennan, T Mylott; M Quinn, A Brennan; A Conlan (0-01), S McLoughlin (0-5), E McGlade; AM Cox (0-08, 7f), E Donaghue (0-02), M Reynolds.

Subs used: M Stenson for Holohan (h-t).

Wexford: MR Kelly; M Murray, M Leacy, A Waters; M Kelly, L Tector, M Doyle; D Fox (0-02, 2f), C Scallan, L Evered (0-01), J Dwyer (0-02), S Kehoe (0-01); K Kelly (1-01), C Murphy (0-2), M Hearne.

Subs used: N Scallan for Doyle (28 mins), G Moore for M Kelly (47), B Curran for Evered (50), K Morris for Leacy (58).

 

 

 

23-Sep-07 by Brendan Doyle – PRO