Leitrim v Tipperary Tesco Home Grown Division 3 Round 3
Tipperary 3-1 v Leitrim 5-07 Tesco Home Grown Division 3 Round 3
Tesco Home Grown Division 3 Round 3 took place this weekend with Leitrim travelling to Borrisoleigh Co Tipperary to take on Tipperary Ladies in what promised to be a tough encounter. From the outset and with a strong wind Tipperary had all the possession and had managed to clock up 3-02 with goals from Aisling McCarthy, Sheelagh Carew and points from Patricia Hickey. Leitrim’s only response being a point from Aine Tighe after Roisin Fowley was awarded a free. Leitrim had it all to do and the back line was suffering from the intense pressure of the Tipperary forwards. Mairead Stenson found her feet and burst out of the back line passing the ball to Roisin Fowley who quickly scored a point. Tipperary were quick to respond with Patricia Hickey pointing over the bar. Tipperary moved the ball extremely quickly and again they found the posts this time Mairead Morrissey taking her point. Leitrim finally got there chance with Anna Conlon finding Aine Tighe. Aine’s shot resulted in a goal and this was just the lift Leitrim needed. Roisin Fowley was unlucky to see her shot go wide after a great play from her sister Sinead and clubmate Erin Farrell. Tipperary hadn’t forgotten there Scóring boots and they scored another two points coming from Patricia Hickey and Sheelagh Carew. Half time score of Tipperary 3-08 Leitrim 1-03 and Leitrim had it all to do in the second half.
Leitrim were first back out on the field and playing with the wind in the second half Niamh Tighe quickly pointed the ball over the bar after a great pass from Deirdre Ward. Deirdre, who worked tirelessly all day, was instrumental in what happened next for Leitrim as she found Roisin Fowley and she scored another point from play. Tipperary next scored their first of only two points in the second half this one coming from Mairead Morrissey. Laura O’Dowd replaced Aine Heslin on the Leitrim team. Shortly after this Aine Tighe who had two backs marking her all day, managed to get her foot to a ball which ended in a goal. This was the lift Leitrim needed. In the break in play, Joice Cunningham replaced Kirby Gilgunn. In the next play, a great run from Mairead Stenson saw her off-load to Aine Tighe, who orchestrated a one-two with Laura O’Dowd and her final shot hit the back of the net. Leitrims hopes were alive with the score now reading Tipperary 3-09 Leitrim 3-05 with at least ten minutes remaining on the clock and Leitrim were only getting going.
Aine Tighe and Laura O’Dowd teamed for a great partnership again with Aine the supplier this time and Laura the scorer of a brilliant point. Sinead Fowley, another Leitrim player who just keeps on working, racing up and down the field was rewarded when her shot went over the bar. Good pressure from the Leitrim defence led by Sharon Kerrigan and Mary Farrell defending with all there might held Tipperary at bay and again Deirdre Ward fielded a great high ball in the centre of the field, she passed to Laura O’Dowd who netted for the visitors. Laura was on a roll, playing one of the best games of her career and she followed with another point from play. Tipperary finished the Scóring with a point to leave the final score Tipperary 3-10 Leitrim 5-07.
Leitrim delighted with this win proving that they will stand up to any challenge set. This game will stand to them in the weeks to come with Sligo, Armagh, Longford and Down still to play. Leitrim’s next game is at home to Sligo on the 3rd of March.
Tipperary: Helen Kennedy, Brid Condon, Catriona Walsh, Niamh Lonergan, Anne O’Dwyer, Claire Carroll, Barbara Ryan, Jennifer Grant, Aoife Ryan, Sheelagh Carew, Mairead Morrissey, Orlagh Walsh, Aisling McCarthy, Patricia Hickey, Shauna Ryan.
Leitrim: Michelle Guckian, Mary Farrell, Enya McWeeney, Sharon Kerrigan, Kirby Gilgunn, Mairead Stenson, Clare Owens, Sinead Fowley, Deirdre Ward, Niamh Tighe, Anna Conlon, Aine Heslin, Roisin Fowley, Erin Farrell, Aine Tighe. Laura O’Dowd for Aine Heslin. Joice Cunningham for Kirby Gilgunn.
18-Feb-13 by Claire Noone PRO LGFA
