Ardee News & Sport – Louth Claim Back-to-Back Leinster Titles as Flood’s Double Sinks Carlow in Junior Final
By ArdeePost Reporter
The golden era of Louth ladies football continues as the Wee County successfully defended their TG4 Leinster Junior Football Championship crown on Sunday, defeating a determined Carlow side 2-8 to 1-7 at TEG Cusack Park.
Once again, it was the brilliant Kate Flood who lit up the final, delivering a personal masterclass with a haul of 2-3, including two goals within a three-minute spell early in the second half that proved decisive. This marks Louth’s eighth provincial junior title, and their second in a row, reinforcing their status as the dominant force at this level.
A Fast Start Sets the Tone
Just two weeks after a high-scoring group stage win over Carlow (5-8 to 2-15), Kevin Larkin’s side wasted no time asserting their authority. Eimear Byrne and Flood opened the scoring inside the first few minutes, quickly putting Louth on the front foot.
Carlow, led by Clíodhna Ní Shé, tried to steady the ship with a well-struck free on nine minutes, but Louth responded strongly. Points from Laura Collins, captain Áine Breen, and another from Flood ensured they took a 0-7 to 0-2 lead into the break, showing poise and attacking precision.
Flood Unleashed in the Second Half
The second half saw Louth raise their intensity further. Just five minutes in, Flood netted her first goal, calmly slotting past the Carlow keeper after a fluid attacking move. Three minutes later, she struck again—this time finishing off an incisive run and pass from the ever-reliable Byrne to leave Carlow reeling at 2-7 to 0-3.
Although Carlow’s Elaine Ware managed to sneak in a goal of her own after a fortuitous rebound off the post, and Ní Shé added two quickfire points, the damage was done. The Barrowsiders’ late push reduced the deficit to four with scores from Aibha Kiernan and the evergreen Edel Hayden, but Louth were not to be denied.
Louth Game Management Seals the Deal
In a mature closing performance that mirrored the composure of Louth’s senior men’s team in their recent Leinster final triumph, the junior ladies kept hold of possession expertly in the dying minutes. That game management, combined with solid defending from the likes of Sarah Matthews, Emma Hand, and Heather Lambe Sally, saw them see out the game and lift the silverware once again.
Scorers –
Louth: K. Flood 2-3, E. Byrne 0-2, Á. Breen, L. Collins, C. Nolan 0-1 each.
Carlow: E. Ware 1-1, C. Ní Shé 0-3 (2f), E. Hayden, A. Webb, A. Kiernan 0-1 each.
The Bigger Picture for Louth
This victory caps a remarkable period for Louth GAA, with momentum surging across the board. The senior men’s team made history last week by lifting the Leinster Senior Championship, and the county’s U20 and minor sides are also enjoying deep runs in their respective competitions.
With talent like Flood, Byrne, and Breen leading the line and a solid supporting cast blending youth and experience, Louth’s ladies now look forward to an All-Ireland Junior campaign full of promise.
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