Roscommon will take on Wexford in the Division 3 Final after wins in today’s semi-finals.
The Rossies recorded a two point win over Kildare at Parnell Park. In the second semi-final also played at the Dublin venue, Wexford had eight points to spare over Down.
Roscommon 4-9 Kildare 1-16
Roscommon overcame the concession of an early goal as they booked their place in the Division 3 final. Lauren Murtagh gave Kildare a great start when she found the back of the net with just three minutes gone on the clock.
The sides were level in the 12th minute when Aisling Hanly scored Roscommon’s first goal. A point from Jenny Higgins had the Rossies ahead by one at the first water break. The game changed in favour of Kildare and they went ahead again in the 21st minute. The lead was two as half-time approached but a Laura Fleming free saw the Roscommon ladies trail by one – 1-8 to 1-7.
The sides were level again in the 36th minute but two goals from the Connacht side saw them go four ahead at the second water break. Kildare lost Grace Clifford in the 44th minute when she was sin binned. Kildare battled hard to try and get back into the game but Orlaith Sullivan was sin binned in the 56th minute. Roscommon were able to finish out the game as they advanced to the league final.
Wexford 4-12 Down 3-7
Wexford came from six points down to set up a league final showdown with Roscommon. Down made a terrific start to the game and were six points up in the sixth minute. The Ulster side scored three early goals with Viv McCormack grabbing a brace. Natasha Ferris had scored their first goal in the second minute.
Down’s lead was just one point at the first water break as Wexford fought hard to get back into the game. The game changed in the second quarter as the Leinster side turned the game around and took an eight point lead in at the interval – 3-10 to 3-02.
The Ulster side didn’t give up and cut the gap to just four points at the second water break. In the 55th minute Catriona Murray scored from the penalty spot to extend Wexford’s lead to 12 points. Neither side could add further scores to their score as Wexford booked their place in the league final.
Deniese O'Flaherty
Deniese is a freelance sports journalist/broadcaster. She has worked for several local and national media outlets. GAA and soccer are her great loves and she also follows rugby league and snooker. She's a big supporter of her local clubs St. Mary's GAA Granard and Longford Town. She also follows Celtic, Liverpool and Leeds Rhinos. She presented and produced a popular sports podcast last year where she interviewed Ray Houghton, Chris Kamara and John Hartson. Deniese is currently Head of Communications for Boccia Ireland