Laois power into Leinster U/16 ‘B’ final with dominant semi-final victory
Laois U/16 ladies team who comfortably overcame Carlow to earn themselves a place in the Leinster LGFA championship final
Laois U/16 ladies footballers are into the Leinster ‘B’ final thanks to a commanding 15-point victory over Carlow at Ratheniska on Saturday.
From first whistle to last, Laois were in complete control and were full value for a performance that never allowed Carlow into the contest. The win sets up a provincial final showdown in two weeks’ time.
The hosts made the perfect start when they were awarded a penalty five minutes in, following excellent work from Kate Dowling, who was fouled as she bore down on goal. Laura Malone stepped up confidently and buried the spot-kick, giving Laois an early lead they would never relinquish.
Malone added a point from play ten minutes later, reacting quickest after Mia Delaney’s free dropped short and Dowling’s rebound effort was blocked. Laois continued to dominate possession and territory, and a slick team move involving Jessica Horan and Dowling ended with Horan pointing to further extend the advantage.
Mia Delaney was next to register on the scoreboard after fine link-up play with Hannah Luttrell, and it looked as though Laois might pull away early. However, Carlow responded with a spell of resilience, tightening up defensively and keeping Laois scoreless for the final 12 minutes of the opening half.
Carlow nearly found the net during this period, but superb blocks from goalkeeper Aoife Mullins and defender Aine Conroy ensured Laois remained well in front. Carlow’s only first-half score came courtesy of wing-back Laura Mahon, leaving the half-time score at 1-4 to 0-1 in Laois’ favour.
Laois wasted little time asserting their dominance again after the restart. Delaney opened the second-half scoring before Conroy surged forward from half-back to land a fine point. Malone struck twice in quick succession midway through the half, first from close range and then with an excellent long-range effort.
Delaney continued the scoring spree, followed by a well-worked point from Orlaith McEvoy after good interplay involving Dowling and Delaney. A fourth point from Delaney effectively ended the contest as Laois cruised into an unassailable lead.
With the game won, Laois turned to their bench, introducing Molly Fitzpatrick, Clíona O’Flanagan, Sarah Cunningham, Molly O’Reilly and Aifric Hennessy. All made a strong impact, particularly Fitzpatrick, O’Flanagan and Cunningham, who brought energy and drive going forward.
O’Reilly and Hennessy added two well-taken points in quick succession, while Carlow’s Ella Corcoran grabbed her side’s second score of the game. Malone capped off an outstanding Laois performance with a final point to secure the place in the Leinster final.
Laura Malone 1-4, Mia Delaney 0-4, Jessica Horan, Hannah Luttrell, Aine Conroy, Aifric Hennessy, Orlaith McEvoy, Molly O’Reilly 0-1 each.
Laura Mahon, Ella Corcoran 0-1 each.
Aoife Mullins (Killeshin); Lilly Brophy (St Joseph’s), Lucy Whelan (St Brigid’s), Sarah Burke (Sarsfields); Samantha Stalbe (Portlaoise), Kara Phelan (Portlaoise), Aine Conroy (Clonaslee/St Manman’s); Kara Powders (Portlaoise), Jessica Horan (Ballyfin); Hannah Luttrell (St Conleth’s), Mia Delaney (Park/Ratheniska), Chelsea Dooley (Killeshin); Kate Dowling (St Paul’s), Orlaith McEvoy (Sarsfields), Laura Malone (Killeshin).
Molly Fitzpatrick (Park/Ratheniska) for Horan; Clíona O’Flanagan (The Heath) for Dooley; Sarah Cunningham (Park/Ratheniska) for Conroy; Molly O’Reilly (St Brigid’s) for McEvoy; Aifric Hennessy (The Heath) for Delaney.
