Armagh v Kerry

Kildare v Tyrone

Dublin v Kerry

Dublin Queens of the Ladies Game with Kerry Victory

Hannah Tyrell inspired Dublin to their sixth All Ireland Ladies Senior Championship, winning by a five point margin over Kerry in Croke Park.

Dublin oozed their class, Tyrell leading the line causing serious issues for Kerry, they ended a wait going back to 2020 for an All Ireland title, dominating Kerry from the world go.

Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh shined for Kerry with 1-6, but for the second year in a row, Kerry left Croke Park defeated and deflated falling at the same hurdle on the third occasion since their last win in 1993.

Dublin shot out of the blocks with a two point lead in as many minutes, Hannah Tyrell and Orlagh Nolan both finding the blackspot for the Jackie's. Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh got Kerry on the board, slotting over a free in the third minute.

An opening half dominated by Tyrell, she hit a quickfire double to push Dublin clear by three, Niamh Carmody and Ní Mhuircheartaigh added scores for Kerry, the latter she had the goal gaping but blazed over, Jennifer Dunne kept the Dubs two point lead in tact.

At the end of the quarter, Dublin took control, Lorraine Scanlon had a goal chance that was blocked by Eilis O’Dowd, that was as good as it got for them, Dublin dominating, Tyrell with five points, Caoimhe O’Connor also getting on the board in a 13 minute spell. Ní Mhuircheartaigh ended a 17 minute spell without a score for Kerry as she tapped over a free. 0-11 to 0-04 at the break.

The Kingdom needed a big start to the second half, Carmody and Ní Mhuircheartaigh got them on the board to within five points in the opening two minutes. But back came Dublin Kate Sullivan and Carla Rowe cancelling out the Kerry scores, restoring their six point cushion three minutes into the half.

Ní Mhuircheartaigh added two further frees leaving that five point margin in place once more, Dublin well versed kept the board ticking over, Niamh Hetherton, Rowe with a brace and Dunne, putting the Jackie's ahead 0-17 to 0-08 after 48 minutes.

Kerry would not die easy, Aishling O’Connell kicked a point, before Ní Mhuircheartaigh struck a goal and point in quick succession, 0-17 to 1-10 going into the dying minutes. Dublin held their nerve however, preventing Kerry from scoring late on, Rowe kicking the insurance point with the last kick of the game to ensure the win.

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Kildare v Clare

Kildare crowned Intermediate Champions

Kildare survived a late scare to claim the All-Ireland Intermediate title for the second time ever with a one point win over Clare.

When Neasa Dooley fired over a point for Kildare in the 47th minute to extend their lead to seven points it things looked ominous for the Banner County but credit to Wayne Freeman’s side they never gave up and two goals in the final 10 minutes left for a very nervy ending.

Clare did get a free with seconds remaining to tie the game but Kildare were able to win the ball and thus win the game.

The two first half goals that Clare conceded were poor from their point of view and could’ve been avoided. But you couldn’t take it away from Kildare, they were hungry and the chances fell their way they took them. Clare kicked five points in the first half and they were all from frees. 

Two frees from the boot of Fidelma Marrinan gave Clare an early two point lead. In the eighth minute Roisin Byrne opened up her account with a pointed free. That followed by Kildare’s first goal; a lovely finish from Trina Duggan after being set up by Neasa Dooley. Two more points from Byrne (one free) put the Lilywhites in front by four in the 13th minute.

Chloe Moloney kicked over a much needed point from a free for Clare in the 14th minute. Kildare replied with points from Lara Gilbert and Byrne (free) either side of another Marrinan free.

In the 20th minute Ellen Dowling capitalised on a mistake by Clare keeper Amy Lenihan to score Kildare’s second goal. Byrne followed that up with an excellent point from play to extend the lead to eight points in the 21st minute.

Clare hit a few poor efforts before Moloney kicked over her second free and her side’s fifth point minutes before the break. They trailed by six points 2-6 to 0-6.

Moloney and Byrne traded frees before Clare got their first point from play; Cliodhna Blake with a nice point in the 37th minute. 

The Banner County needed a goal and substitute Ciara McCarthy had an effort caught on the line by Kildare netminder Mary Hulgriane and then Aisling Reidy shot wide.

They were to find the back of the net in the 51st minute with Marrinan fisting Moloney’s free to the net. Kildare edged in front by four in the 54th minute with Dooley kicking over a fine effort but there was time for late drama. Moloney found the back of the net in the 55th minute to cut the gap to just one point.

Kildare had a chance to go two ahead near the end but Byrne’s free was caught by Lenihan. Try as they might Clare just couldn’t get that equaliser as Kildare held on.

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Down v Limerick

Down lift Junior Championship with Limerick victory

Orla Swail’s second half goal proved the deciding score in a closely fought 2023 TG4 Ladies Junior All Ireland Final, overcoming Limerick by two points.

A game where a goal would also prove the deciding moment, it was closely fought 0-5 to 0-4 at the break, it was level pegging until Swail came off the bench and shot low to the net for the crucial moment.

Limerick missed three goal chances in the first half and will regret their missed shooting chances, while Down with Natasha Ferris at her best notching five points, will savor the win. Ferris finishing on 7-31 (52) for the season, will she scoop the ZuCar Golden Boot award?

Down had plenty of the early possession, knocking it back and forth trying to get an opening in the Limerick backline, one arrived in the second minute but Viv McCormack’s effort drifted to the right and wide of the posts.

Referee Angela Gallagher however awarded Down a free which sharpshooter Natasha Ferris tapped over for the opening score. Limerick rallied back quickly and the dancing footwork of Caoimhe McGrath brought them an opening score.

She stayed on her toes moving from left to right looking to peel off the Down defence, took her chance well curling a beauty on her right boot over the bar from an acute angle. McGrath slotted two frees to follow her opening score and put Limerick ahead 0-3 to 0-1 after 10 minutes.

The Mourne County needed a score, the tempo slowed as Limerick started to hold the ball and tried to increase their lead, Ferris landed a second free 16 minutes in, that left one between them but at the other end McGrath had the chance to cancel it out but it drifted a whisker to the left of the upright. Ferris levelled the tie with her first from plat two minutes later.

On the end of a lovely crossfield kick from Deborah Murphy, Roisin Ambrose had the games first goal chance 20 minutes in, her effort rippling the side netting of the Down goal, a matter of inches from restoring their advantage.

Viv McCormack tried to snatch a goal one minute later, a dropping ball into the square flicked goalwards, the waiting hands of Carol Bateman able to put the danger to bed. Another chance at goal in the 22nd minute was spurned by McGrath, Karen O’Leary found her inside but her shot at goal was left and wide.

McGrath would restore the Limerick lead with a third point going into the final five minutes, Aimee O’Higgins and the ever reliant Bryansford sharpshooter Ferris added scores for a 0-5 to 0-4 lead at the break.

Limerick had a blistering start to the second half as Murphy and O’Leary both added points in the opening three minutes to give the Treaty women a one point lead. Bateman made a stunning save to deny Aoife Brogan a goal chance,

O’Higgins was quick to pounce on a loose ball following an attempt from Laoise Duffy that cracked off the upright, despite plenty of pressure she made zero mistake, levelling the contest once more.

43 minutes into the second half Down hit the crucial score, Orla Swail on the field only a matter of minutes, racing through the Limerick rearguard that was low and hard to the bottom left hand corner past Bateman. Down making them rue those missed goal chances.

Iris Kennelly fresh off the bench made it a two point game inside the final ten minutes of play, but O’Leary saw Yellow and the Shannonsiders had to finish the game with 14. Ferris added her fifth to restore a three point margin, but up from the back Meadhbh Mac Namara pointed for a nervy final minute.

Down passed it around and when the hooter sounded raced onto the field, joy and jubilation as they return to the Intermediate Grade after a year playing Junior, Limerick deflated and now need to pick themselves up for 2024.

Kerry 1-7 – 3-10 Meath

AI SLFC Report: Meath v Kerry

Meath have recorded their second consecutive TG4 Ladies All Ireland Senior Football Championship, defeating Kerry in front of an attendance of 46,440 in Croke Park.

Queen Vikki of Dunboyne leaves for Australia with two senior medals and one intermediate in her back pocket, Meath’s third consecutive All Ireland win, their production line in full flow.

For the Kingdom the wait continues, despite leading early thanks to their red headed warrior from West Kerry, Meath had their number and once more defeated Kerry at headquarters.

Kerry got off to the optimum start Ciara Murphy put them ahead after two minutes, with a great point from play, Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh converting a free before capitalising on a mistake from a kick out to lead 1-2 to no score after 7 minutes.

Meath’s reply was swift and emphatic Emma Troy with a goal after ten minutes, either side of points by Stacey Grimes and Vikki Wall had them level by the 11th minute.

Wall and Grimes extended the lead to two with well taken scores, Troy making it a three point margin by the 22nd minute, Kerry remained within arms length for the rest of the half the goal by Troy keeping Meath 1-8 to 1-5 ahead the break, great end to end contest of football in the opening half.

Kerry made it a one point game four minutes into the second half, but it would be as close as they would get in the second half, Emma Duggan made it a two point game once more, before Niamh O’Sullivan reacted to a mistake from a Kerry kickout to rattle the net after 45 minutes, 2-9 to 1-7 in the royals favour.

The netted again shortly after substitute Bridgette Lynch hitting the crossbar before regaining composure to score at the second bite of the cherry, Meath comfortably ahead by eight points with ten left in the second half.

Kerry threw everything including the kitchen sink at Meath in the final exchanges, failing to conjure a score to bring spice back into the contest, Meath’s defence solid in formation able to stop Kerry in their track, Ní Mhuircheartaigh tried to goal late in the half from a free but Monica McGuirk saved well, the hooter sounds on another famous win for the Royals in Croke Park.

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Laois 1-13 – 1-11 Wexford

AIILFC Report: Laois v Wexford

Laois are the 2022 TG4 Intermediate Ladies All Ireland winners, after an enthralling battle at Croke Park this afternoon.

Mo Nerney again starred for her county 1-5 to her tally all afternoon, their wide count makes for harrowing reading but they have got the job done nonetheless.

Wexford will rue missed opportunities as they have another heart break to end a head breaking year, back to back defeats in All Ireland finals while Laois now move to Senior.

Laois hit an early two point lead Eva Galvin and Laura Marie-Maher both pointing,Erone Fitzpatrick setup the first score but hit a shot of the post as a goal looked on the cards to further extend their lead.

Bernie Breen had the first major chance for Wexford after five minutes, her effort just drifting to the right and wide into Hill 16 end, they did score seconds later Catriona Murray feeding Ciara Donnelly she failed to keep her shot down for a goal, but their first point kept them in the tie early on.

Despite their early dominance of the game, Laois struggled in front of goal soon after, a string of wides looked to have knocked the confidence levels a tad, Mo Nerney did give them their first score in seven minutes with a well taken free, to lead 0-3 to 0-1 after 13 minutes.

Maher smelt blood after 15 minutes with a barging run through the Wexford defence, her effort went wide but she did have players in space to offload to, huge let off for Wexford as they struggled to break down a strong Laois defence.

Nerney game alive late in the second half, shortly after converting a free to extend their lead, she glided past the Wexford backline and fired into the net, 1-4 to 0-2 after 18 minutes.

Murray added a second score for Wexford to end their rut, Laois finished the half with a flurry five points in quick succession to lead 1-9 to 0-3 at the hooter.

Wexford came out the better early in the second half, three quick fire points saw them reduce the gap, Aoife Cullen had a goal chance that went wide after 38 minutes.

Laois again found themselves in a rut in front of the posts, Nurney and Anna Healy both added scores, but a string of wides left Wexford reduce their lead to 1-12 to 0-9 after 50 minutes.

The Laois wall became immovable in the last ten minutes, despite a late goal by Bernie Breen to blow the tie wide open followed by a Murray point from a free, Laois hung on, 21 years is a long wait but for they will savour this victory.

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Antrim 1-13 – 1-13 Fermanagh

Antrim and Fermanagh must meet again in Junior final.

Orlaith Prenter earned her Antrim side a draw after an exciting TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Junior Final at Croke Park.

Fermanagh had come from four points down to go ahead in the 58th minute through Eimear Smyth but a pointed free from Prenter right at the end meant the sides must do it all again.

Antrim made a slow start but when they got into the game their potent full-forward line put Fermanagh’s defence under pressure. Blaithin Bogue was excellent for Fermanagh throughout but was sin binned near end. 

Eimear Smyth scored a penalty in the 49th minute to bring her side back into the game and it made for a grandstand finish. They didn’t disappoint.

Fermanagh kicked over the game’s first two points. Antrim then got in their stride and kicked over four points in a row. Points from Aine Tubridy, Orlaith Prenter (2) and Grainne McLaughlin gave them a two point lead in the 11th minute.

Lara Dahunsi had a goal chance one minute later for the Saffrons. After going 11 minutes without a score Fermanagh got their third point in the 14th minute when Blaithin Bogue hit over a fine score.

An excellent finish from Maria O’Neill in the 17th minute extended Antrim’s lead to four points. Bogue was fantastic for her side and kicked over three points before the break while a point from captain Cathy Carey in the 28th minute gave Antrim a three point lead at half-time 1-07 to 0-07.

Antrim were reduced to 14 players in the 32nd minute when Niamh McIntosh was sin binned. Eimear Smyth’s free appeared to be tipped into the net by Bogue but it was ruled out for square ball.

Despite their numerical disadvantage Antrim went four points ahead in the 40th minute when McLaughlin kicked over a free.

O’Neill had a chance to grab her and her side’s second goal in the 44th minute; Prenter won possession and passed to O’Neill who was racing through but her powerful shot came off the post. 

The Erne County were awarded a penalty in the 49th minute when Bogue was fouled; it looked outside the area; put it away to cut the gap to one. Fermanagh substitute Erin Tierney levelled the game for only the second time in the 54th minute. But there was time for late drama.

Donegal 1-7 – 0-12 Meath

Meath book back to back senior finals after beating Donegal

Emma Duggan produced late heroics for the second weekend running as defending champions Meath advanced to another TG4 All-Ireland Senior Championship Final with a thrilling victory over Donegal at Croke Park.

By Daire Walsh

Following her last-gasp point to earn the Royals victory at the expense of Galway last Saturday, the Dunboyne ace kicked three points inside the closing ten minutes to propel her side towards a decider with Kerry on 31 July. A resolute Donegal - who dethroned Leinster champions Dublin in the last-eight - pushed the holders every inch of the way but their quest for a first senior final will continue into 2023.

TG4 All-Star Geraldine McLaughlin found the target either side of a Stacey Grimes free to give Donegal a slender advantage in a tentative opening. Although Grimes went on to level matters with her second point, Donegal signalled their intent during the second-quarter of a tense affair.

A fierce effort by Niamh McLaughlin rattled the woodwork on its way over the bar and the same player also scored a goal from a penalty after veteran attacker Yvonne Bonner was hauled down in the 19th minute. While Orlagh Lally split the uprights for Meath towards the end of the half, Donegal were three points to the good, 1-3 to 0-3, heading in at the half-time break.

Yet, this lead was whittled down to the bare minimum within 60 seconds of the restart as Vikki Wall and Niamh O’Sullivan posted quickfire scores. Despite losing Máire O’Shaughnessy to the sin-bin, Meath moved three points clear with unanswered efforts from Emma Duggan and Grimes (three). Donegal finally opened their second-half account with a Yvonne Bonner point in the 43rd minute, however, and midfielder Katie Herron also chipped in with a fine score on the run to set-up a nerve-wracking conclusion.

The sides were back level as a result of Bonner’s second point of the half and with Wall being yellow-carded on the stroke of 50 minutes, all the momentum appeared to be with Donegal.

Once again, though, Meath brushed off their numerical deficiency to push forward for another hard-earned victory. After kicking an outstanding point from play, Duggan also knocked over a tricky free to edge them a step closer to another top-tier final.

A Karen Guthrie free kept Donegal in touch, but Duggan’s fourth of the day, off a late breakaway move, ensured Meath are still in the hunt for back-to-back Brendan Martin Cups.

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Mayo 0-13 – 4-10 Kerry

Kerry reach Senior final at Croke Park after stylish win over Mayo

By Daire Walsh

Síofra O’Shea grabbed two goals and Kerry turned on the style against Mayo at Croke Park to book their place in the TG4 All-Ireland Senior Championship Final for the first time since 2012.

Aishling O’Connell and Paris McCarthy were also among the goals as the Kingdom backed up their impressive quarter-final success over Armagh with a commanding performance. The evergreen Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh was also in outstanding form for the victors, scoring 0-5, all from play.

After Shauna Howley edged Mayo in front with a pointed free, Kerry announced their arrival in the contest when wing-back O’Connell floated a deflected effort beyond the reach of goalkeeper Aisling Tarpey for a sixth-minute goal.

Mayo full-forward Ciara Whyte responded to back-to-back points from Emma Costello and Ní Mhuircheartaigh, before Kerry rattled the net for a second time on 11 minutes, when O’Shea palmed to net off of a Cáit Lynch pass.

Although the confident Munster outfit extended their lead through Niamh Carmody, Mayo came storming into contention with unanswered points by Tara Needham, Lisa Cafferky and Howley (two). Mayo remained in the frame as a result of traded scores between Ní Mhuircheartaigh and Sarah Mulvihill, but Kerry reinforced their authority when O’Shea fired home her second goal of the half in the 21st minute.

Further points followed for the Kingdom from Danielle O’Leary and Lynch, and while midfielder Sinead Cafferky posted a fine score for Mayo, it couldn’t prevent their opponents from bringing a convincing 3-6 to 0-8 cushion into the interval. Three points without reply from Aoife Geraghty, Howley and Needham initially gave Michael Moyles’ Connacht outfit cause for optimism, but a 0-3 haul by Corca Dhuibhne sharpshooter Ní Mhuircheartaigh kept the scoreboard ticking over for the Kingdom.

Despite the determined Geraghty adding her second score of the third-quarter, Mayo suffered a further set-back when McCarthy added Kerry’s fourth goal on 43 minutes. Even though this proved to be their final score, the fact Mayo could only muster a point from Sinead Cafferky inside the closing-quarter ensured Kerry weren’t to be denied a spot in the forthcoming showpiece.

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