Abbeyleix saunter into the Leinster final
Jill Gaughan St Lazarian's breaking against Cullion on Saturday Photo: Denis Byrne
Laois champions St Lazarian’s Abbeyleix continued their fine run in the Leinster championship at their own grounds which were in excellent condition on Saturday last. A week previous they fought out a high scoring battle with the Kildare champions, St Laurence’s.
From the throw in at sunny Abbeyleix the Laois champions took control. Cullion sent over the game’s opening point but that was to be the only time they would lead.
Katie Dunican pounced for a home goal after less than five minutes. Five minutes later a promising move down the left wing was finished past the visitors’ defence by Holly Brennan who would cause havoc for the Westmeath champions throughout the game.
With 22 minutes on the clock the home team added their third goal, again it was finished by the industrious Holly Brennan.
The visitors replied with a brace of points. They also had a great goal opportunity but the home defence cleared the danger and at half time Abbeyleix led 3-3 to 0-3 and looking comfortable.
Within minutes of the resumption, Holly Brennan added a good point from play. At the other end the visitors replied with a point by Elaine Faughnan but they needed goals.
Seven minutes into the new half Katie Doyle added a home point from an acute angle. Then came the real killer blow in the contest. With the home team in total control the visitors conceded a penalty. Kaylee O’Keefe stepped up, struck low and hard to leave the hosts well in front, 4-6 to 0-4.
To their credit Cullion never gave up but the home followers were thrilled with another point by Katie Dunican. A defender attempted to clear but the well placed Dunican struck out her foot and showing her football skills kicked a perfect ball between the uprights.
Katie Doyle added a further brace of points and long before the full time whistle the big home crowd were celebrating and looking forward to a meeting with either the Meath or Offaly champions.
Holly Brennan 2-3 (0-2fs), Katie Dunican and Kaylee O’Keefe 1-1 (1-0 pen), Katie Doyle 0-3, Jill Gaughan 0-2, Laoise Dunne 0-1.
Elaine Faughnan 0-3, Elanor Cocannon 0-2, Emma Broughnan 0-1 (f).
Sara Foxe; Emma Cass, Clodagh Gee, Sasha O’Keefe; Kate Kenna, Rachel Cass, Laoise Dunne; Roisin Fitzgerald, Jill Gaughan; Kaylee O’Keefe, Claire Darcy, Kaylee O’Mara; Holly Brennan, Katie Dunican, Katie Doyle.
Tara Concannon for Brennan (55m).
Fiona Keating; Maura Buckley, Andrea Buckley, Aoidean Buckley; Megan Enniss, Geraldine Doyle; Emma Broughan Darian Corcoran; Eva Crawley, Elaine Faughnan, Holly McCormack; Julie McLoughlin, Chloe Dolphin, Elanor Corcoran.
Elaine Fashnu for C Dolphin (48m), Anna Buckley for E Crawley (49m), Elaine Buckley for E Corcoran (50m).
