Longford LGFA: Ardagh defeat Dromard at the second attempt to take Intermediate championship title

St Brigid’s Gaels Ardagh . . . 1-8   Dromard . . . 0-4

The second tier championship final replay attracted a big crowd to the floodlit Emmet Park in Killoe on Wednesday night with corner-forward rocket Maria Hayden scoring the crucial only goal in the 19th minute of the first half.

The post twice denied Ardagh in the early stages of the game, the first from a penalty taken by Anna Hayden in the 3rd minute and Joanne Whyte was then unfortunate not to score a goal in the 8th minute.

After squandering a number of scoring chances, Dromard ended up trailing by 1-5 to 0-3 at the break and could only manage a solitary point in the second half in facing fierce resistance from a rock solid St Brigid’s Gaels defence who were superbly anchored by outstanding full-back Leanne Keegan.

There was no way past the inspirational player of the match award winner Keegan as Dromard tried in vain for a badly needed goal to get back into contention.

Ardagh are now at home to Laois opposition in the opening round of the Leinster Club Junior Championship on Saturday October 21. 

ST BRIGID’S GAELS ARDAGH: Lisa Keegan; Emma Farrell, Leanne Keegan, Emma McCord; Saoirse McLoughlin, Emily Garcia, Rachel Fallon; Sian Gallagher (0-1), Keeva Gillen; Rachel Keenan (0-2, 1 free), Anna Hayden (0-4, 2 frees), Isabelle Fay; Claragh Shannon, Joanne Whyte, Maria Hayden (1-1). 

Sub:- Katherine Kilduff for C Shannon (57 mins).  

DROMARD: Michelle Kilkenny; Cathy Conefrey, Emma Bleakley, Orfhlaith Mulligan; Lauren Maguire, Karen McLoughlin, Kate McEntire (0-1); Sarah Murphy, Mairead Reynolds (0-1); Shauna Hagan, Elena O’Reilly, Michelle McManus (0-1); Grace Tierney, Ellen Murphy (0-1), Naoise Hourican.

 Subs:- Helen Conefrey for E O’Reilly (50 mins); Orlaith McGauran for L Maguire (injured, 55 mins); Imelda Reynolds and Laura Martin for N Hourican and S Hagan (stoppage time). 

Referee: Michelle Mulvey (Carrickedmond).