Leinster Minor B Champions

Well done to our Laois Minor team who were crowned Minor B Champions in Athy GAA today

Laois were excellent from start to finish, taking a 7-point lead into the interval, and holding firm in the second half to see off the Westmeath challenge.

Laois were firing in the first few minutes, but couldn’t capitalise on their scoring opportunities. Aideen Gee was through on goal, but her shot went wide. Laois kept the pressure on Westmeath, but it was the Lake County who opened the scoring with a free from Katie Kilmurray. Lucie O’Reilly also attempted a fist pass point, but her effort fell short into the goals and was disallowed. Laois evenutally opened their account with a point from Cara English from play.

Mia Branagan was then fouled for a penalty. Mia then stood up and converted the penalty to give Laois a three-point gap. Aideen Gee tapped over a second point for Laois, but Katie Kilmurray reduced the deficit when she scored her second and third frees of the day.

Niamh Dundon then scored an excellent point off her left boot, which was followed up by a score from Lucie O’Reilly. Mary O’Hara made a brilliant run up the wing from half-back, scoring a super point. Laois’ lead extended to seven when Niamh Dundon scored another point and Lucie O’Reilly converted a free for Laois. Just before half-time, Cara English was fouled for another Laois penalty – but this time, Westmeath keeper Keira Kelly kept Mia Branagan’s effort out. HT Laois 1-7 Westmeath 0-3.

Westmeath came out all-guns-blazing after half-time, with a free from Katie Kilmurray and point from captain Orla Collins in quick succession cutting Laois’ lead to five points. Kilmurray continued her exhibition of free taking, tapping over another point for Westmeath, chipping away at that deficit.

However, Niamh Dundon rattled the Westmeath net to give Laois breathing space again with a rocket of a shot off her left. Kilmurray and Shannon Breslin replied for Westmeath once again. Disaster then struck for Laois, as they were down to 14 players for 10 minutes after Mary O’Hara received a yellow card from referee Emma Dunne. Kilmurray continued to penalise Laois and her seventh point of the day had Westmeath within five points again. O’Reilly settled it for Laois, tapping over a free after Branagan was fouled.

Once again, Kilmurray responded for Westmeath as the game began to open up. O’Reilly continued to keep Westmeath at distance with her fourth point of the day. Mia Branagan got Laois’ third goal of the game when her effort off the ground hit the Westmeath net from a tight angle – the gap opened up to eight points. Laois were unlucky not to extend this lead as Poppy Duff’s effort hit the upright and Mary O’Hara’s shot at goal was saved by Kelly.

Kilmurray kept Westmeath in the game within another point from a free but it wasn’t enough as Laois held out for a seven point victory. FT Laois 3-9 Westmeath 0-11.

Full credit has to be given to the team and management who were superb today from start to finish. Poppy Duff was brilliant in midfield, carrying Laois forward and was deservedly named player of the match today. Clodagh Fingleton and Katie O’Reilly made countless vital interceptions today to keep Westmeath out. Áine Carter and Sarah McDonald were excellent in defence and attack – tenacious in the tackle, and carrying the ball forward to support the attack.

Kaylah O’Mara and Cara English worked tirelessly in linking play between the full back and full forward lines. Lara Culleton was tasked with keeping Kilmurray quiet from play – which she did excellently while also contributing to Laois’ attack. Mary O’Hara and Sarah Hibbits were phenomenal, strong and disciplined in their defending and finding space with every pass. Abi Swift was calm and composed, with a flawless performance today – keeping Westmeath’s efforts out. Niamh Kehoe and Niamh Ryan brought energy into the game when they were introduced, just when Laois needed it.

Sarah McDonald accepted the cup on behalf of the Laois team from Arthur Corrigan (Leinster President) and her speech was brilliant and composed at full-time. The dedication of today’s win to Niamh Dobbs O’Reilly was a beautiful touch. As Sarah said, she is so proud of Katie and Lucie today – two huge role models and ambassadors for Laois Ladies football.

Laois team: Abi Swift (St. Paul’s), Áine Carter (Ballyroan), Katie O’Reilly (St. Brigid’s), Sarah McDonald (Portlaoise) (C), Sarah Hibbits (Sarsfields), Clodagh Fingleton (Park Ratheniska), Mary O’Hara (Park Ratheniska) (0-01), Lara Culleton (Portlaoise), Cara English (Killeshin) (0-01), Niamh Dundon (Timahoe) (1-02), Kaylah O’Mara (Ballyroan), Aideen Gee (Ballyroan) (0-01), Lucie O’Reilly (St. Brigid’s) (0-04; 0-02 f), Mia Branagan (Graiguecullen) (2-00, 1-0 pen). Subs: Niamh Kehoe (Timahoe) for Aideen Gee, Niamh Ryan (Shanahoe) for Cara English.