Carlow Makes History with Maeve O’Neill’s Goal
Substitute Maeve O’Neill scored a crucial 55th-minute goal at Grant Heating St Brendan’s Park in Birr, propelling Carlow towards their first-ever Lidl National Football League Division 4 title.
Limerick’s Strong Start Despite Storm Kathleen
Despite the challenging conditions brought by Storm Kathleen, Limerick had a strong start, playing with a gale-force breeze in the opening half. Wing-back Meadhbh MacNamara, Deborah Murphy, and Iris Kennelly helped Limerick secure a three-point lead in the first quarter.
Carlow’s Resilience Against the Elements
Carlow, led by captain Ruth Bermingham, faced difficulties in creating attacking opportunities against the strong wind. However, they kept Limerick on their toes with possession football, eventually opening their account through Cliodhna Ni She’s close-range free.
After a goalless spell for Limerick, Carlow closed the first half just two points behind at 0-3 to 0-1.
Carlow’s Comeback and Victory
With the wind advantage in the second half, Carlow quickly leveled the score with successful frees from Ni She. Momentum shifted in Carlow’s favor as they took the lead with points from Roisin Bailey and Rachel Sawyer.
Despite Limerick’s efforts to equalize, Carlow maintained their lead with Ni She’s accurate place-ball point. Maeve O’Neill’s impactful goal sealed the victory for Carlow, with Ruth Bermingham’s late score securing the national crown.
Final Scores
Carlow: C Ni She 0-4 (4f), M O’Neill 1-0, R Bermingham, R Bailey, R Sawyer 0-1 each.
Limerick: D Murphy 0-2 (1f), I Kennelly 0-2, M MacNamara, C McGrath (f) 0-1 each.
Lineups
Carlow: N Hanley; A Carroll, A Roche, S McCullagh; R Bermingham, N Murphy, N Forde; E Hayden, R Bailey; B Nolan, R Sawyer, S Doyle; E Molloy, E Coogan, C Ni She.
Limerick: C Bateman; J McGuire, Y Lee, F Bradshaw; G Lee, C Mee, M MacNamara; R Ambrose, L Ryan; K O’Leary, D Murphy, K Heelan; E Woulfe, A O’Sullivan, I Kennelly.
Substitutions
Carlow: S Hayden for McCullagh (h-t), M O’Neill for Coogan (47), T Lyons for Nolan (52), M Townsend for E Hayden (55), E Ware for S Hayden (59).
Limerick: G Mullane for Heelan, R Browne for McGuire (both h-t), C McGrath for O’Sullivan (47), K Kennedy for Ryan (55), M Kavanagh for Woulfe (59).
Referee: Declan Carolan (Armagh).
