ZuCar All-Ireland Minor B Semi-Final. FT Laois 0-07 Kerry 2-04
The Laois Minor’s All-Ireland journey came to a disappointing end yesterday evening in Mallow GAA. In hot conditions, Kerry ran out three-point winners as they hung on to reach a Minor All-Ireland final despite a late Laois comeback.
The game got off to a flyer. Laois started strong as Mary O’Hara got the first point of the game. Kerry midfielder Leah Griffin got her side’s first score of the game shortly after when she raised a green flag. Laois responded well with points from Niamh Dundon and Lucie O’Reilly. After 10 minutes, the score stood at Laois 0-03 Kerry 1-00.
There was a scoring drought until the first hand entered into added time, when Kerry were awarded a penalty. Although Laois ‘keeper Abi Swift guessed correctly, Kelsey Cummins slotted her shot into the back of the Laois net. Just before the break, Muireann Teahan added a point for Kerry. Laois went in at the break four points down. HT Laois 0-03 Kerry 2-01.
After the break, Kerry came out strong, pointing twice through Erin Evans and Leah Griffin. Laois worked tirelessly in defence but needed to convert scores. Kerry corner back Jamie Lee O’Connor received a yellow card, resulting in a 10-minute sin bin. However, Laois couldn’t capitalise as Dundon scored Laois’ only point in this period.
Griffin got her third point of the game as Laois now needed to dig deep with 10-minutes remaining and the sides separated by six points.
Lucie O’Reilly (free) and Lara Culleton pointed to cut the deficit to four points and inspire a late surge. Another O’Reilly free had Laois within a kick of a ball, and as Laois threw everything at the Kerry defence, they couldn’t find that all-important goal.
The sense of disappointment and heartbreak was palpable at the final whistle, as these girls have given everything to the Laois team since December. They are an incredible group of players, who Laois LGFA are only proud to have been represented by. Winning a Leinster Championship was a phenomenal achievement, and many of these girls have a Leinster medal from 2025.
An inspirational season from this team, who have given Laois LGFA and their supporters lifelong memories. We hope you have enjoyed your season, created friendships and special memories with one another.
A huge thank you has to be given to Adrian Slevin and his team – Noel Whelehan, Podge Bannon, Darragh Dunne, Chloe Norton, Fiona Dooley, Lisa Walsh and Naomi Luttrell. Your unwavering commitment and dedication to this team have been second to none. To guide this team to successive Leinster Championships is a remarkable achievement. Laois LGFA would like to thank you all for the development of these players and leaving Laois ladies football in a better place.
What a season, we can only be proud of everything that has been achieved. Maith sibh go léir.
Laois: Abi Swift (St. Paul’s), Áine Carter (Ballyroan), Katie O’Reilly (St. Brigid’s), Sarah McDonald (C) (Portlaoise), Sarah Hibbits (Sarsfields), Clodagh Fingleton (Park Ratheniska), Kaylah O’Mara (Ballyroan), Lara Culleton (0-1)(Portlaoise), Poppy Duff (Park Ratheniska), Niamh Kehoe (Timahoe), Niamh Dundon (0-2) (Timahoe), Mary O’Hara (0-1) (Park Ratheniska), Aideen Gee (Ballyroan), Lucie O’Reilly (0-3, 0-2 f)(St. Brigid’s), Mia Branagan (Graiguecullen). Cara English for Kehoe, Laoise Dunne for O’Mara
By Aoife Langford Fri 10th Jul
