Roundup: Lidl NFL Division 2

The state of play in the Division 2 of the Ladies NFL has been decided, with Armagh and Kerry both topping their respective groups, Laois and Monaghan will join them in the semi final stages, while Tyrone will meet Clare in a relegation play off.

Lidl NFL Division 2A: 

Kerry 4-17 Laois 1-9; Fitzgerald Stadium, Killarney 

Kerry have topped their side of Division 2, after an emphatic 17-point win over Laois in Killarney this afternoon. Another impressive showing by their forward line sees them meet Monaghan in the Semi Finals.

It was a tight opening half as the Kingdom led 1-7 to 1-6 at half time, the hosts started stronger but Laois remained on their heels, a goal by Sarah Anne Fitzgerald followed by a point before half time had given them a three-point lead, but Fodhla Houlihan struck with a goal a minute later to level the tie, Rachel Dwyer raised the while flag with a score to end the opening half.

Three minutes into the second half and Meadhbh Johnston had their second goal of the afternoon, a well taken strike to put them four points clear, Kerry’s forward line remained impressive with Laois getting half chances, they would only manage three scores in the half, Lorraine Scanlon and Erica McGlynn added their third and fourth goals respectively, as Laois failed to answer their firepower, they will meet Armagh in the semi finals.

Tipperary 0-13 Clare 1-7; FBD Semple Stadium  

Tipperary will remain a Division 2 team for 2023, they edged a tight all Munster affair in Thurles by three points, a late showing in the second half enough for a win.

The hosts did look in control early and by halftime they had a two point advantage, looking composed that they would take the win but Clare fought back in the second half. They will now have to face Tyrone in the play off.

Both exchanged scores early in the second half, but Clare hit the front eight minutes into the half, a goal that would give them a lifeline as they held a one point advantage, they added to their lead with a score just minutes later, as Tipperary were chasing a two point deficit. The Premier County hit six unanswered points in a row over the remainder of the half, to hold onto their status for a short while at least.

Lidl NFL Division 2B: 

Cavan 3-11 Tyrone 1-12; Kingspan Breffni  

Cavan had held their status as a Division 2 team, with a huge win over Tyrone this afternoon, the five point margin the perfect way to end their campaign as they can now look forward to the championship, while Tyrone must face Clare to remain in the division next year.

Cavan showed grit throughout the tie and had built up an advantage but a goal followed by a point by Niamh O’Neill, had them ahead 1-7 to 1-6 at the break, as the hosts were left assessing the end of the first half.

Tyrone built on their lead after the restart but Cavan replied and after 12 minutes elapsed Geraldine Smith drew them level with a point. Smith followed it up with another point before she goaled before the water break, as Cavan had a four point advantage. Lauren McVetty was next to strike the back of the net, six minutes before time added on as Cavan looked comfortable late on.

Armagh 0-13 Monaghan 0-6; St Tiernach’s Park, Clones  

A powerful second half display saw Armagh top the other group in Division 2, they finished with a flurry after a nervy opening half in Clones to meet Laois in the semi finals. Results elsewhere have given Monaghan a tough meeting with Kerry, they were left chasing a tough Armagh attack as they struggled to hit the target.

The Ulster rivals could not be separated at the break tied 0-4 a piece, while results at the same time saw Monaghan facing a relegation play off, their second half showing was not to their standard however as they will look back before the meeting with the Kingdom.

Armagh however have looked strong since the opener and like Kerry remain unbeaten in the Division, they turned the tide in  the second half to lead 0-10 to 0-5 by the water break, before finishing with a flurry late on.