Kildare got the better of Clare in a gripping Division 3 Final that went to extra-time in Parnell Park. In the Division 4 decider Antrim produced a strong display to win the title for the very first time.
Division 3 Final
Kildare 2-11 Clare 2-10 AET
Róisín Byrne kicked the winning free as Kildare overcame Clare in a thrilling contest at Parnell Park to clinch the Division 3 title. Diane O’Hora’s charges make a return to Division 2 for the first time since 2017.
Kildare made a fine start to the game and a penalty from Nessa Dooley saw them five points ahead after 10 minutes of football. The lead was two points when the sides went in at the break. Grace Clifford scored a second goal for Kildare in the 43rd minute to put Kildare ahead by six.
Clare made a great comeback. A goal from sub Laura Griffey in the 56th minute left it a one point game. Fidelma Marrinan’s free brought the game to extra-time. Clare were ahead by two at half-time in extra-time but Byrne proved to be the match winner for the Lilywhites kicking three points in a row (one free).
Division 4 Final
Antrim 1-19 Leitrim 2-06
All-Ireland Junior Champions Antrim produced an excellent display as they claimed the Division 4 title with a 10 point win over Leitrim at Parnell Park.
Orlaith Prenter scored 0-8 for the Saffrons who won the title for the first time having lost the previous three league finals they had been in. After going behind, a goal from Bronagh Devlin in the fourth minute gave Antrim the lead and it was one they wouldn’t relinquish.
Michelle Guckian got a goal for Leitrim after eight minutes and a few minutes later Leah Fox missed a penalty. Antrim were 1-8 to 1-4 in front at half-time. Antrim opened up an eight point lead before Leitrim grabbed a second goal through Ailbhe Clancy. The gap was four points but Antrim ended the game strong as they gain promotion to Division 3.
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