Longford LGFA Finals: Grace Esler goal the crucial score as Carrickedmond win the Intermediate title

Carrickedmond . . . 1-9  Killoe . . . 0-7

Carrickedmond captured the Intermediate Championship title with a five-point win over Killoe at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park on Saturday. They had to withstand pressure at times but a goal from Grace Esler in the first half was to be the crucial score.

Killoe could only manage two points from play in the game, which was played in difficult windy conditions.

Carrickedmond’s greater experience told as the game wore on, with players such as Katie Crawford (awarded player of the match) and Michelle Mulvey prominent.

On the Killoe side, Niamh Brady provided a constant threat in attack and worked very hard while captain Emma Doris was influential in defence.

Another of Carrickedmond’s main players, Ellen Shannon, scored their first three points (two frees) to give John Coyle’s side a 0-3 to 0-1 lead in the first ten minutes.

Niamh Brady notched three successive frees for Killoe but Carrick took the lead when Grace Esler finished to the net in the 18th minute, with Ciara Mulligan the supplier.

Killoe were denied a goal when Niamh Brady’s shot was stopped by Carrick keeper Siobhan Egan and went over the bar instead. Lauren McGuire and Brady then exchanged points. A further McGuire point helped Carrick to a 1-5 to 0-5 half-time lead.

Carrick made a good start to the second half with points from Leah Shannon and Una Mulligan, following an excellent build up.

Niamh Brady was trying hard to keep her side in the game. In the 36th minute, she was fouled and sent over the resulting free.

In the 38th minute she smartly intercepted an attempted Carrickedmond pass and Mia Shannon pointed subsequently.

However, Carrickedmond continued to add scores and points from Grace Esler and Lauren McGuire (free) were sufficient to bring them to victory and a place in the Leinster Club Intermediate Championship away to the Kildare title winners on Saturday week. 

CARRICKEDMOND: Siobhan Egan; Ann Ryan, Orla Farrell, Shauna McCormack (JC); Caoimhe McCormack, Ciara Mulligan, Aimee Higgins; Casey McNamara, Grace Esler (1-1); Michelle Mulvey, Katie Crawford, Ellen Shannon (JC, 0-3, 2f); Leah Shannon (0-1), Una Mulligan (0-1), Lauren McGuire (0-3, 2f).

Subs:- Rachel O’Farrell for A Higgins (36 mins); Sinead Farrell for C McNamara (42 mins); Emer Dempsey for M Mulvey (54 mins); Carly Flood for G Esler (60 mins).

KILLOE: Riane McGrath; Molly Clarke, Laura Gallagher, Amber McGrath; Amy Finnegan, Emma Doris (C), Darina McGoldrick; Aideen Mulligan, Dearbhaile Rooney; Mia Shannon (0-1), Niamh Brady (0-6, 5f), Eimear Igoe; Ailbhe Mulligan, Maria Rehill, Cliodhna Mulligan.

Subs:- Emily McCarthy for M Rehill (half-time); Robyn O’Neill for E Igoe (injured, 42 mins), Aoibheann O’Brien for D McGoldrick, Sinead Donohue for C Mulligan (both 49 mins).

Referee: Bilal Moran (St Mary’s Granard).