St Joseph’s eliminated by impressive Kildare champs
Suncroft 1-11 St Joseph's 0-7
Westmeath champions St Joseph’s were knocked out of the Leinster LGFA intermediate club championship by a strong Suncroft side last Saturday.
A dominant display by Suncroft saw the Kildare outfit qualify for the Leinster semi-finals as a fine defensive performance held St Joseph’s to just two points in the second half.
St Joseph's have been a rising force in Westmeath ladies' football in the last couple of years, winning the junior county title in 2022 and following that up with intermediate success this year. But they found the challenge posed by Suncroft on their home turf a bridge too far on Saturday last.
Early points from Sinead Robbins and Sile Kearney gave the visitors a head start as Suncroft warmed up to the pace of the tie. Soon afterwards, a brace from Ellen Dowling had Suncroft level before Dowling pointed to leave the home side ahead nearing the quarter hour mark.
St Joseph's midfielder Aoife Keegan levelled matters moments later but with Dowling in scintillating form in front of the posts, she quickly restored the Suncroft advantage as they seized control heading into the latter stages of the opening half. After a further free from Dowling, she gathered Aine Maxwell’s kickout to send Suncroft three clear.
Points from Niamh Kearney and Robbins narrowed the deficit. But with Suncroft refusing to allow St Joseph’s to take control of the tie, a fine ball from Ruth Dillon found Eve Keogh in an advanced position and she extended the advantage by raising the white flag. A final free from Dowling before the break restored their three-point advantage at half-time (0-8 to 0-5).
On the restart and with Suncroft playing down the slope, Dowling was quick to exploit this. Four minutes into second half, a free from Dowling had the home side’s advantage up to four.
Dowling then gathered Maxwell’s kickout once more. Advancing, Dowling spotted Maxwell still off her line and lobbed a left-footed effort over the St Joseph's goalie and the ball dipped into the net. This goal from Dowling reinforced Suncroft's position of dominance.
Further points from Dillon and Dowling left nine between the sides with the tie approaching the three-quarter hour mark.
St Joseph’s went in search of scores to reignite their hopes but, unfortunately for them, they were unable to break down the Kildare side. Hannah Murphy proved a pillar of strength in the Suncroft defence, while Miya O’Byrne helped to transition play from defence to attack.
With the contest coming to a close, two late points from Laura Conlon and Robbins reduced the deficit facing the Streamstown/Horseleap side, but Suncroft still marched on to the last four of the Leinster intermediate championship.
Scorers - Suncroft: Ellen Dowling 1-9 (0-4 frees); Ruth Dillon and Eve Keogh 0-1 each. St Joseph’s: Sinead Robbins 0-3; Aoife Keegan, Sile Kearney, Niamh Kearney and Laura Conlon 0-1 each.
Suncroft: Libby Salmon; Caitlin Troy, Chloe Foy, Aine Troy; Miya O’Byrne, Hannah Murphy, Orla McDonald; Lara Prendergast, Colette Keon; Megan Troy, Eve Keogh, Jessica Doyle; Ellen Dowling, Ella Murphy, Ruth Dillon. Subs: Alice O’Sullivan for Troy, 58 mins; Carla Ennis for Dowling, 60; Molly McGlynn for Troy, 60; Neasa Byrne for Dillon, 60.
St Joseph’s: Aine Maxwell; Cliona McCormack, Orla Robbins, Eleanor Conway; Joyce Conway, Roisin Killian, Kayla McDonnell; Claire Conlon, Aoife Kearney; Niamh Kearney, Sinead Robbins, Sile Kearney; Caoilinn Elliffe, Karen Keegan, Laura Conlon. Subs: Jennifer Barrett for O Robbins, 40 mins; Keelin Robbins for Kearney, 44; Molly Russell for Conlon, 50; Aimee Slevin for K Keegan, 55.