Louth Ladies Set for League Final Despite Narrow Loss to Laois

Match Report | Lidl National Football League Division 3 | March 30, 2026

Laois 0-9
Louth 0-8

Louth Ladies may have lost by a single point to Laois in Drogheda on Sunday, but Kevin Larkin’s side still have their sights firmly set on league silverware with a Division 3 Final against Antrim now ahead.

Match Summary

Played in difficult conditions with a strong cross-field breeze, Louth started brightly and led by 0-4 to 0-1 after 20 minutes thanks to excellent scores from Áine Breen, Shannen McLoughlin and Amy Murray.

Louth could have extended their lead further, but a Breen effort struck the woodwork before Laois fought back, with Emily Lacey scoring three excellent points in a row to leave the sides level at 0-4 each at half time.

The second half was a tight, end-to-end contest with both sides trading points. Louth regained the lead through Aoife Halligan, while Laois goalkeeper Eimear Barry produced an excellent save to deny Laura Collins a goal chance.

Louth had a late goal opportunity when Eimear Byrne broke through on goal, but lost her footing at the crucial moment. Laois took advantage and converted a late free through Aoibhe Byron to win the game by the narrowest of margins.

League Final Ahead for Louth

Despite the defeat, it has been a very successful league campaign for Louth, who have already secured promotion and will now face Antrim in the Division 3 League Final on April 12.

Manager Kevin Larkin will be encouraged by the performances of several new players who have stepped up to senior inter-county level and played a key role throughout the campaign.

Louth now turn their attention to the Division 3 League Final against Antrim on April 12, with silverware still firmly in their sights.

Louth Scorers

Eimear Byrne – 0-2
Laura Lynch – 0-1
Amy Murray – 0-1
Áine Breen – 0-1
Shannen McLoughlin – 0-1
Aoife Russell – 0-1
Aoife Halligan – 0-1

Louth Team

Rebecca Lambe Fegan; Moyà Corrigan, Eilish Hand, Rachel Beirne; Amy Murray, Shannen McLoughlin, Naoise McConnon; Emma Thompson, Áine Breen; Lucy White, Ciara Nolan, Eimear Callaghan; Eimear Byrne, Laura Collins, Aoife Russell.

Subs: Aoife Halligan, Maebh Hickey, Sophie Stitt, Maggie Holland.

Referee: Ian Culbert (Wicklow)