Louth Ladies Secure Win as Limerick Fight Hard
By ArdeePost Reporter
Louth Ladies Secure Win as Limerick Fight Hard
Louth continued their impressive Lidl Ladies National Football League Division 3 campaign with a 2-7 to 0-6 victory over a battling Limerick side in Drogheda on Sunday afternoon.
While the final margin suggested a comfortable afternoon for the hosts, the reality was far different, as Limerick pushed the Reds all the way in a tight and physical Round 4 encounter.
Early Goal Breaks the Deadlock
Louth dominated possession in the opening exchanges but initially struggled to turn control into scores against a disciplined Limerick defence.
The breakthrough arrived after seven minutes. Ciara Woods produced a moment of quality, winning possession brilliantly, beating her marker and unleashing a powerful strike into the roof of the net to give Louth the lead.
Limerick responded through Caoimhe McGrath, who would prove their most influential player on the day, but Louth maintained the upper hand. Sophie Everitt slotted over two points as the Leinster side edged ahead.
Despite Limerick creating a late first-half goal opportunity, Rebecca Lambe Fegan reacted sharply to deny McGrath from close range.
At half-time, Louth led 1-3 to 0-2 after a fiercely contested opening period.
Louth Step Up After the Break
The home side resumed with increased urgency and quickly extended their advantage through points from Sophie Everitt and Shannon McLaughlin.
Limerick refused to wilt, with McGrath again finding the target to keep her side within touching distance.
However, the decisive moment came midway through the second half. Ciara Woods was once more at the heart of the action, delivering a pinpoint pass to Ciera Nolan, who rifled an unstoppable shot past Carol Bateman to make it 2-6 to 0-4 after 50 minutes.
That second goal proved pivotal.
Limerick’s Grit Not Reflected on Scoreboard
To their credit, the Shannonsiders continued to battle and added two further scores before both management teams emptied their benches.
Caoimhe McGrath finished with five of Limerick’s six points in an industrious display, but the visitors could not breach a well-organised Louth defence.
The Reds’ clinical edge in front of goal ultimately separated the sides.
Important Points in Division 3 Campaign
For Louth, the win strengthens their position in Division 3 as they continue to build momentum in the 2025 campaign.
Their ability to convert key moments into goals, combined with defensive solidity, proved decisive against determined opposition.
For Limerick, the wait for a first win continues, but the performance — particularly their defensive structure and resilience — will provide encouragement heading into the remaining fixtures.
Scorers
Louth: Sophie Everitt 0-4, Ciera Nolan 1-1, Ciara Woods 1-0, Shannon McLaughlin 0-1, Eimear Byrne 0-1.
Limerick: Caoimhe McGrath 0-5, Caoimhe Macnamara 0-1.
Referee: Ian Culbert (Wicklow).
