All-Ireland ladies football finals: Antrim defeat Carlow with late point to claim Junior title

Michael Bolton

Antrim are All-Ireland ladies Junior football champions after they defeated Carlow 1-13 to 2-9 in Croke Park.

Maria O'Neil's point in the dying seconds secured victory for Antrim, who were losing finalists last year against Louth.

Antrim started the strongest and had a goal after one minute through Theresa Mellon, who took advantage of a mistake from Carlow goalkeeper Nicole Hanley.

However, some crucial saves from Hanley kept Carlow in the game, as Antrim took a 1-5 to 0-6 lead at the break.

Carlow's comeback continued, and they had the lead in the 48th minute through Aibha Kiernan.

Points from O'Neil and Aoibhoinn Monaghan looked to have secured the win for Antrim, before Mega Townsend's goal with minutes remaining levelled the game up.

Not to be denied two years running, O'Neil's point gave Antrim a day to remember.