Westmeath minor ladies overpower Wexford

A superb display of flowing and controlled football saw the Westmeath minor ladies crowned Leinster "B" champions with a fully-merited five-point win over a fine Wexford side, in front of a large and enthusiastic attendance at Kinnegad last Sunday afternoon. Thankfully, the heavy rain which spoiled the curtain-raiser stayed away for the main event and the spectators were treated to an absorbing contest, which Dermot Brady"s charges won in some style. A scoring return of 1-17 in slippy underfoot conditions over 60 minutes is outstanding by any standards and much of the interplay between the Lake County players was a joy to watch. All through the pitch, there were heroes in maroon and white. From excellent goalkeeper, Christine Warburton right through to strong-running corner forward, Shauna Butterly, the winners had skilful players in every position. Kelly Boyce starred in defence, Maud Ann Foley excelled at midfield (and when moved to the forwards), while Niamh Farrell and Sarah Dolan were the pick of a lively attacking sextet. A crossfield wind favoured neither side and Westmeath were quicker out of the traps, the hugely-energetic Niamh Farrell making space for herself and burying the ball in the Wexford net from a tight angle with less than three minutes elapsed. Garrycastle"s Sarah Dolan followed up with a point, but Wexford replied in style, Miriam Smith fly-kicking the ball to the net, after initially losing possession. Both goalkeepers were prominent already, but the home side had most of the play and they increased their lead with a point apiece from each member of the half forward line - Sarah Dolan (free), Gillian Corbett and Niamh Farrell. At the other end, Miriam Smith missed a routine free for the visitors, before Ciara Scally got her name on the scoresheet, following fine play from the game"s dominant player at this juncture, Maud Ann Foley. Two points from Aoife Tormey reduced the deficit to three points - the second could easily have been a goal - but the opposing number 12, Sarah Dolan responded with a terrific point. Both midfielders, Maud Ann Foley and Niamh Farrell, added points for the winners, and further points from Gillian Corbett and Foley (from a free) left Westmeath firmly in control when leading by 1-10 to 1-2 at the break. Wexford needed some early scores on the change of ends, but Aoife Tormey rushed a simple free kick and the ball came back off the woodwork. However, Sandra Lawlor soon rolled in a lovely goal after a long solo run to give the Slaneysiders hope. Joanne Carroll and Maebh Kehoe (from a free) exchanged points, before a Sonja Murphy point left the ladies in purple and gold four points in arrears. Westmeath then went through a wasteful period, with Gillian Corbett hitting the side netting from a gilt-edged goal chance and other point opportunities also being spurned. However, up popped the effervescent Niamh Farrell for a point to settle Westmeath nerves and further points ensued from Maud ann Foley, Sarah Dolan, Shauna Butterly and that lady Farrell again. Wexford launched a number of attacks, but Maud Ann Foley superbly fielded Maebh Kehoe"s free on the Westmeath goal-line and Christine Warburton produced a magnificent save from Wexford sub Clara Donnelly in the 21st minute. Sandra Lawlor and Aoife Tormey (free) reduced the gap and a terrific goal from Katie Redmond left just four points between the sides. Ciara Scally then had what would have been the "goal" of the game disallowed for a "square ball" offence. A dangerous lob from Maebh Kehoe just failed to cross the Westmeath goalline and the winners fittingly wrapped up the title with a tremendous solo point from Maud Ann Foley. Footnote After the game, Sean McMullen, President of the Leinster Ladies Gaelic Football Association, presented the cup to Westmeath captain Joanne Carroll, surrounded by her overjoyed colleagues. WESTMEATH: Christine Warburton; Megan Pendred, Lorraine Duncan, Emma Rafferty; Kelly Boyce, Margaret Kilroy, Lisa Fitzpatrick; Joanne Carroll (capt, 0-2), Maud Ann Foley (0-4, 1f); Niamh Farrell (1-3), Gillian Corbett (0-2), Sarah Dolan (0-4, 1f); Louise Kelly, Ciara Scally (0-1), Shauna Butterly (0-1). Subs: Sarah Keegan (for Pendred), Patricia Igoe (for Carroll). WEXFORD: Caroline Curran (capt); Bríd Breen, Amy Ryan, Emma Doyle; Oral Donohue, Tara Whitty, Bebhinn Kehoe; Róisín Murphy, Maebh Kehoe (0-1f); Miriam Smith (1-0), Sandra Lawlor (1-1), Aoife Tormey (0-3, 1f); Sonja Murphy (0-1), Georgina Hearne, Katie Redmond (1-0). Subs: Maura Kavanagh (for Donohue), Ellen Kelly (for Ryan), Clara Donnelly (for Smith), Aoife Dunne (for Murphy). REFEREE: Michael Ryan (Meath).