Jackies progress to face Westmeath in Leinster final

TG4 Leinster Championship Semi Final

DUBLIN 1-17 LAOIS 1-7

Similar to their male counterparts Dublin Ladies will play Westmeath in this year’s provincial decider having booked their place with a ten-point victory over Laois on Sunday in Timahoe.

The visitors Dublin got the defence of their title off to the perfect start popping over four unanswered points with Amy Connolly, Sarah McCaffrey, Lyndsey Davey and Kim Flood on target for the blues.

Noirin Kirwan got Laois on the score board with a well converted free in the 11th minute.

Dublin responded quickly with a Carla Rowe free and a point apiece from Lyndsey Davey and Kim Flood.

To their credit Laois were playing with huge heart, the O’Moore County were rewarded for their efforts when team Captain Laura Marie Maher finished a well worked Laois attack to the back of the Dublin net much to the delight of the home supporters.

Laois veteran Martina Dunne added to the Laois tally with a well taken free to leave just two points between the sides with ten minutes remaining in the first half.

Reigning champions Dublin once again picked up the pace to finish the opening half strongly with four unanswered points coming from Noelle Healy, Carla Rowe, Sarah McCaffrey and Kim Flood. At the interval Dublin had pushed their lead out further to lead the game by 6 points, (HT) Dublin 0-11 Laois 1-02.

The weather conditions had deteriorated for the second half of this entertaining contest as a strong wind and rain lashed down upon the Timahoe venue.

Noirin Kirwan from Shanahoe registered the opening score of the second period for the home team with a well taken point from outside 30 metres. It appeared that each time Laois registered a score Dublin would respond within minutes nullifying the Laois threat.

The Dubs response to Kirwan’s point was a well taken goal from All Star forward Noelle Healy to give Dublin a comfortable eight point lead with Healy’s goal affectively killing the game as a contest.

Dublin simply had too much strength in depth for Laois and finished the game out with four unanswered points from Flood, Rowe, Davey and McCaffrey, (FT) Dublin 1-17 Laois 1-07.

Dublin boss Gregory McGonigle will look for an improved performance from his players as they prepare for a Leinster final showdown with Westmeath on July 19th. However today’s encounter will definitely stand to the champions having not played a competitive game in over nine weeks.

The 2015 Leinster final will take place in Dr Cullen Park on Sunday July 19 at 4pm, the holders will be looking to secure their 11th provincial crown while their opponents Westmeath will be looking for their first.

DUBLIN: Ciara Trant (St Brigid’s), Olwen Carey (Thomas Davis), Muireann Ní Scanaill (St Margaret’s), Fiona Hudson (Fingallians), Sinead Goldrick (Foxrock Cabinteely), Sorcha Furlong (St Brigid’s), Carla Rowe (Clann Mhuire), Molly Lamb (Kilmacud Crokes), Sinead Finnegan (Fingallians), Amy Connolly (Foxrock Cabinteely), Sarah McCaffrey (Clontarf), Kim Flood (Clanna Gael Fontenoy), Lyndsey Davey (Skerries Harps), Noelle Healy (St Brigid’s), Niamh McEvoy (St Sylvester’s). Subs: Niamh Rickard (Fingallians) for Amy Connolly, Hannah Noonan (Foxrock Cabinteely) for Noelle Healy, Niamh Collins (Foxrock Cabinteely) for Sinead Goldrick.

Scorers: Carla Rowe 0-04 (2f), Kim Flood 0-04, Lyndsey Davey 0-04, Noelle Healy 1-01, Sarah McCaffrey 0-03, Amy Connolly 0-01

LAOIS: Martha Kirwan (Shana hoe), Nicole Byrne (St Conleths), Grainne Dunne (Timahoe), Clodagh Dunne (Ballyroan), Aine Haberlinn (St Conleths), Maureen Young (Timahoe), Ellen Healy (Portlaoise), Fiona Dooley (Portlaoise), Maggie Murphy (Timahoe), Laura Marie Maher (Sarsfields), Noirin Kirwan (Shanahoe), Joyce Dunne (Sarsfields), Mo Nerney (Timahoe), Martina Dunne (Timahoe),Meaghan Dunne (Sarsfields). Subs: Rachel O’Connell (Park Ratheniska) for Meaghan Dunne, Libby Waldron (St Conleths) for Joyce Dunne

Scorers: Martina Dunne 0-04 (3f), Noirin Kirwan 0-03 (1f), Laura Marie Maher 1-0.