More semi-final heartache for Carlow
Megan Townsend has a shot for a score against Louth Photo: Pat Ahern
CARLOW hearts were broken in Parnell Park on Sunday when a goal in each half for Louth decided the respective fate of both sides in this All-Ireland junior football semi-final.
There was tension from the outset. There was so much at stake and the sizeable number of supporters and family members created a colourful atmosphere. It also helped the spirit of the crowd that, after a dismal summer so far, the warm sun contributed to the occasion.
Carlow started well and led 0-4 to 0-1 on 15 minutes with Cliodhna Ní Shé scoring two frees. Megan Townsend and Rachel Sawyer also raised a white flag a piece. Aine Breen scored Louth’s point and even though Carlow were ahead, all the signs were that this was going to be a battle which would go all the way.
Kate Flood scored the first goal on 23 minutes when the ball broke behind the Carlow defence and the full-forward ran on to find the bottom right hand corner of the net at the dressing room end of the ground. The Barrowsiders fought back and Ní Shé’s accuracy saw Carlow go in 0-6 to 1-2 ahead at the interval.
Four times in the third quarter the sides were locked together. Louth’s Niamh Rice scored three points with Ní Shé and Sawyer replying for Carlow. Another Rice white flag was a real boost for Louth A Sawyer effort pushed Carlow a point up. Then disaster as Louth scored their second goal when a passing movement saw Aine Brennan find the bottom left-hand corner of the net after Louth had put the ball through the hands. Even though there was only two points in it, Carlow now had a mountain to climb.
They did carry the ball with menace at times but far too often the Louth defence forced their rivals to recycle with Carlow losing their direction. They did create one goal chance but Siofra O’Neill saw her shot well saved by Louth keeper, Rebecca Lambe Fagan. The ball seemed to hover around the goal-mouth for an age but eventually Louth cleared. While Carlow battled to the end, Louth now had the momentum and they finished strongly with all their previous scorers adding to their personal totals.
Six points was harsh on Carlow but even if it was only a one point margin the joy and disappointment for the respective sides was still the same. Louth march on to meet Fermanagh in the final.
Goalkeeper Nicole Hanley was one of the last Carlow players to leave the field. She tried to put a brave face on her disappointment.
“It is pretty sore to talk about it straight afterwards. We have been here so many times before. I don’t have the words to describe it. The girls have put in such a fight. Every single time the girls come on the pitch they fight for every single ball,” said the Old Leighlin stalwart.
“A lot of people would not have backed us this year to beat Louth. We pushed them all the way. I am so proud of all that we have done.” And can Carlow recover and go again? Hanley certainly thinks so.
“The ingredients are definitely there. It just takes one or two things to go against you in a year like this. Another day things won’t go against you.
“We have underage teams coming up. We have about 100 girls under 14, under 16, development teams. Absolutely the future is so bright for Carlow,” predicted Hanley.
