Ailish Considine scored 1-02 as Clare became Lidl Ladies National Football League Division 3 champions for the first time since 2011.

Considine scored the game’s only goal in the 15th minute; at that stage Clare had been trailing by an early Laura Fleming pointed free.

The Kilmihil native’s return from the AFLW has been a major boost for manager Wayne Freeman and Clare.

Roscommon keeper Helena Cummins was called into action twice in the early stages of this game. It was the Rossies that opened the scoring in the fifth minute when Fleming pointed a free.

Clare had chances to get on the scoresheet but their shot selection was poor. The Banner County evidently got their first score on the quarter hour mark; Laurie Ryan with the pass and Ailish Considine finished to the net to give her side the lead for the first time.

Fleming kicked over two more frees to draw her side level in the 20th minute. Clare went back in front minutes later with a point from Aisling Reidy. Just before the break the sides were level again when Fleming kicked over her fourth free and her side’s fourth point.

Considine kicked over her first point of the game in the 38th minute to give Clare the lead again. A lovely point from substitute Ciara McCarthy put two between the sides in the 41st minute.

Minutes later Roscommon keeper Cummins brought off a good save to deny Considine and Clare a second goal. Roscommon struggled to create chances while Clare were able to contain their forward line.

The lead was four points nearing the final quarter with Considine (fine) and Reidy kicking over points. In the 46th minute McCarthy extended the lead to five points with a beautifully struck free from distance.

Roscommon got their first score of the second half in the 59th minute when Lisa O’Rourke played the ball to Aisling Hanly and she found the back of the net. There was no time for a comeback as Clare held on for the win.