Inspired by captain Laura Fleming scoring 2-9, Roscommon preserved their Intermediate status for another season, as they overcame Louth in the relegation play-off in Kinnegad.

It was dramatic and exciting and in the end for one of the teams it was a joyous occasion as they stayed up for another year, for Louth they battled hard and started so well with a goal inside 25 seconds, but they will play in the Junior grade following the four point defeat.

Roscommon were inspired by Fleming’s contribution, the forward kicking 2-9 of their 2-12 haul, as Aisling Hanly kicked their other three points in an entertaining energy sapping game, all the feel of a final, but the silverware on offer being the chance to remain fighting in the Intermediate championship.

It may have been a torrid year for Roscommon, relegated in the league and not winning a championship game until this afternoon, but they will be delighted to remain in the grade along with being Connacht champions, they now can look ahead to 2024 with optimism.

It was an electric start to the tie for Louth as they struck the back of the Roscommon goal after 25 seconds, a lovely ball inside for Lauren Boyle to gather, she kicked a lovely ball inside for Kate Flood to run in on goal, the full forward hitting a rasper into the net for 

Roscommon hit back as Aisling Hanly struck the crossbar with a free, it bounced out kindly for Roisin Wynne to keep possession for the Rossies attack, she passed to Laura Fleming and the forward fired home their goal in the third minute to level matters.

Seconds later Fleming raced in and when a second goal looked on, she was fouled by a Louth defender and the referee awarded a free in from close range, Fleming tapped over to score her first point of the tie to give Roscommon the lead.

The Rossies started better despite that early goal, they were energetic and looked dangerous in attack, Fleming and Hanly both added points before the eight minute to put them ahead 1-3 to 1-0.

Roscommon threatened for a second goal in the tenth minute, Fleming had a dipping shot that struck the crossbar, Hanly was quick to pounce and tried to palm home the rebound but Rebecca Lambe Fagan saved the shot and the danger was averted.

From defending at one end, the Louth attack had been limited as Roscommon took control, but as they managed to work possession into the Roscommon half, some quick passes allowed Lucy White a route on goal, she made no mistake sending a shot into the roof of the net, Louth’s second goal and for the second time the sides were level.

Laura Collins converted a free at the end of the opening quarter to put Louth in front once again, but two quick points from Laura Fleming had the Rossies ahead 1-5 to 2-1, with the threat of relegation looming, neither side really took the foot off the gas in the half, as Lauren Boyle and Niamh Rice kicked inspirational scores to again put Louth ahead.

A point separating the sides, but once again as Roscommon ran direct at the Louth defence with some quick passes, Wynee carried well through the Louth defence and fisted the ball across the face of goal, where Fleming rose to plan home her second goal, the two forwards combining once again for a Roscommon goal.

Advantage back to the Western County following that score, with plenty of added time allotted, Collins struck a second point in the third minute of stoppage time to leave the minute between them, but Louth had Flood the early goal scorer, sent to the the side-line with a yellow card for a shoulder challenge on Aoife Gavin, 2-5 to 2-4 the difference at the break.

Fleming made it an ideal start to the second half for Roscommon as she kicked the opening score, but Boyle had Louth on the board just minutes later, Hanly however almost had a goal chance for her side but it was saved, the ball was recycled however by the Rossies and Hanley pointed to keep her side in front.

Louth had two great goal chances to turn the game on its head, Mia Duffy blazed a goal chance wide as she was one on one with Helena Cummins but missed the target and Collins was also in on goal but her shot was low but tailed left and wide, they did grab a score from Collins landing another free to leave it 2-7 to 2-6.

Roscommon however would soon start to build a lead, Fleming with two points alongside Hanly grabbing a score to make it a four point game, goal chances were still coming for both sides however but the keepers were making crucial saves, Abi Keenan had an effort saved by Cummins and at the other end Aisling Feely was denied by Lamne Fagan.

Boyle and Collins both converted fees inside the final,ten minutes of the contest to add some more drama to what was a frantic and energetic game of football, just the two points separated them, but Roscommon with time on their side, slowed the tempo and played a possession game, as Fleming was fouled, she tapped a free in the final minute of added time to leave a goal between them.

Louth still had time, despite the clock going into the red we were still on for a grand slam finish in Kinnegad, but as they drove forward Roscommon were able to turn the ball over and get up the other end, as they did another foul gave Fleming another shot at the posts, she kicked her ninth point of the tie, fisting the air on her way back, four points between them it was the final score of a dramatic tie, Roscommon staying up in Intermediate for another year.