Longford ladies produce positive performance in win over Wicklow

Longford . . . 1-18  Wicklow . . . 1-12 

Originally scheduled as part of a double header with the Allianz National Hurling League Division 2B meeting of Wicklow and Derry in the County Grounds in Aughrim, the ladies fixture was hastily refixed for the Rathnew venue after heavy rain overnight, but a decent crowd still attended for what turned to be a very good game.

However, the loss of talented forward Marie Kealy to injury and the concession of a goal from Longford midfielder Michelle Farrell just before the first half break proved to be tough blows for the home side. Added to that Longford’s running power and strong defence, and the visitors were fully deserving of their win.

Thanks to the crucial goal from Farrell, Longford led by 1-9 to 0-9 at half-time and pushed on to extend their advantage to six points.

While Wicklow got right back into contention with a goal from a penalty converted by their keeper Jackie Kinch, Longford regained control with points from Michelle Farrell (two frees), Grace Shannon (free), Clodagh Lohan (2) and Emer Heaney to emerge victorious. 

 Longford manager Brian Noonan will be very pleased with the performance in this positive result and next up is a home game against Kildare in Round 2 of the National League at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park on Sunday next, throw-in 2pm. 

 WICKLOW: Jackie Kinch (1-0, penalty); Emily Hadden, Sarah Jane Winders, Sarah Hogan; Shannagh Goetelen, Niamh McGettigan, Lorna Fusciardi; Aoife Gorman, Jessie Byrne; Rioghna McGettigan, Sinead McGettigan, (0-7, 4f), Niamh Cullen; Clodagh Fox, Laura Hogan (0-5, 3f), Marie Kealy. 

 Subs:- Lucy Cush, Áine Byrne, Emily Mulhall, Lucy Dunne, Ana Vas, Jessie Hurley, Siofra Adams. 

 LONGFORD:  Riane McGrath (Killoe); Shauna McCormack (Carrickedmond), Leanne Keegan (Mostrim), Emma Doris (Killoe); Clare Farrell (Longford Slashers), Katie Crawford (Mullinalaghta), Ailish Noonan (St. Bride’s); Mairead Victory (Mostrim), Michelle Farrell (Colmcille, 1-6, 5f); Lauren McGuire (Carrickedmond), Grace Shannon (Longford Slashers) (0-5, 2f), Sarah Shannon (Carrickedmond, 0-1); Clodagh Lohan (Grattans, 0-3), Emer Heaney (Ballymore, 0-2, 1f), Louise Monaghan (Mostrim, 0-1).

Subs used: Niamh Brady (Killoe) for L McGuire; Eimear O’Brien (Longford Slashers) for E Doris; Sorcha Dawson (Ballymore) for A Noonan; Kamille Burke (Clonguish) for S Shannon; Michelle Noonan (Carrickedmond) for G Shannon; Karen McLoughlin (Dromard) for L Keegan; Caoimhe McCormack (Carrickedmond) for M Farrell and Ciara Mulligan (Carrickedmond) for S McCormack.

Referee: Angela Gallagher (Dublin).