Louth Triumphs Over Sligo to Top Group, Semi-Final Clash with Longford Looms
By ArdeePost Reporter
Louth booked their place at the top of TG4 All‑Ireland Junior Football Championship Group A with a gutsy 2‑12 to 0‑14 win over Sligo in humid conditions at Páirc na Gael on Sunday. Two early goals in the first half by captain Áine Breen and Lucy White set the tone in a contest where both teams entered with perfect form.
Fast Start and First-Half Domination For Louth
Just three minutes in, Breen seized on a well-weighted pass from Aoife Halligan and fired low into the net, giving Louth a dream start. They carried that momentum forward, swiftly converting a series of sharp plays into points and keeping Sligo chasing shadows.
White’s first-half goal, her shot cannoning off the bar before dipping in, was brilliantly constructed, involving slick interplay from Breen and Eimear Byrne. At halftime, Louth led 2‑5 to 0‑7, buoyed by seven scores from open play and dominant possession.
Louth Sustained Pressure And Defensive Resilience
Sligo weren’t deterred, narrowing the gap to three points early in the second half thanks to stellar work from Leah Duffy. But Louth’s resilience shone through—Aoife Russell, Nolan, Flood, and Byrne maintained the lead, while defenders Rachel Beirth, Eilís Hand, and Eimear Murray, marshaled by Shannen McLaughlin, held firm under Sligo’s growing intensity.
Closing Out the Win
Holding strong at the finish, Louth weathered Sligo’s late challenge and closed the match with tidy offences, including late scores from Kate Flood (f) and Ceire Nolan. They claimed a well-deserved five-point victory, sealing top position in the group.
What’s Next? Semi-Final Preview
The victory thrusts Louth into the All‑Ireland JFC semi-finals, where they’ll face Longford in two weeks—pitting group toppers against themselves for a place in the final.
Key Performers
- Áine Breen (C): 1–0, 22 possessions; crucial early goal
- Lucy White: 1–2, strong off-ball movement
- Aoife Halligan: 0–1, 25 touches; midfield engine
- Shannen McLaughlin & Backline: rock-solid defense under pressure
The Wee County’s blend of fast starts, tactical discipline, and defensive composure marked them as the strongest team in Group A—and now they carry that confidence forward into a vital semi-final showdown with Longford.e “Mini TT,” leaving fans in awe and eager for more road-racing action.
