Westmeath's Lilly Quinn goes past the challenge of Louth's Vanessa Brennan, in Wedneday's game at Kinnegad.

Goals from Gorman and O'Hara give Westmeath deserved victory

Damien Maher

Published: Thu 4 May 2023, 4:58 PM

Westmeath 2-10

Louth 1-6

The Westmeath minor ladies footballers produced a terrific performance to overcome Louth, in the Leinster Minor ‘C’ football semi-final at Kinnegad GAA grounds on Wednesday evening.

Second half goals from Sadhbh Gorman and substitute Meabh O’Hara ensured the Lake County of victory and they will now face Offaly in the decider on Wednesday, May 17.

This was a keenly contested semi-final, the standard quite high throughout and Westmeath just about had their noses in front at the break, 0-7 to 1-2. The home side got the ideal start to the second half when full forward Sadhbh Gorman finished to the net on the follow-up after 22 seconds - the chance presenting itself when the ball came back into play from Síle Kearney’s initial shot.

Westmeath went on to build a lead of seven points, but a spirited Louth side remained firmly in contention as midfielder Vanessa Brennan and wing forwards Lucy White and Lucy Sheridan scored three unanswered points to leave it 1-9 to 1-5 by the 48th minute. However, Westmeath were not to be denied and Sadhbh Gorman converted a free to steady the ship before an injury-time goal from Meabh O’Hara steered them through the choppy waters.

Following this fine victory, Westmeath will now focus on the challenge of Offaly in the final in two weeks time.

Scorers - Westmeath: S Gorman 1-2 (1f), M O’Hara 1-0, K Whyte 0-3, C Kilmurray 0-2, C McCormack, P Ruane, L Quinn 0-1 each. Louth: M Rooney 1-1 (frees), A Maguire 0-2, V Brennan, L White, L Sheridan 0-1 each.

Westmeath: Amy Donlon; Ella Corcoran, Claire O’Donoghue, Rebecca Monaghan; Lara McCartan, Kayla McDonnell, Aine DiTullio; Claire Gaffney, Caoimhe Kilmurray; Síle Kearney, Caoimhe McCormack, Philippa Ruane; Kate Whyte, Sadhbh Gorman, Lilly Quinn. Subs: Lisa Seery for Whyte (41), Ellen Foran for Ruane (53), Meabh O’Hara for McCormack (inj, 59).

Louth: Niamh McGeough; Anna Hickey, Hazel Malone, Shannon Walker; Abigail Martin, Leah Cunningham, Ava McNally; Brígh McEnteggart, Vanessa Brennan; Lucy White, Mischa Rooney, Lucy Sheridan; Ellie Smith, Aisling Maguire, Katelyn Murphy. Subs: Aine Murray for Murphy (h-t), Aoife Clarke for White (h-t), Chloe McCarragher for Smith (42), Lucy Watters for Maguire (42), Sarah Walker for Sheridan (57).

Referee: Hugh Coughlan (Laois).