Leinster U14 Championship Round 2

Kildare 3-14

Meath 4-10

Kildare u14s overcame their neighbours Meath by the slimmest of margins on Saturday afternoon after an enthralling contest played in Clane GAA club.

Kildare captain, Freya Healy, led the Lillies attack from throw in. She opened her account to give the home side the lead in the first minute and shortly after she had the green flag waved converting a penalty.

Megan O Connor pointed for Meath to open their account, but Kildare’s reply was swift with points from Captain Healy and Kate Kealy. It got worse for Meath when Leah Tyrell netted followed by another point from Anna Coburn for Kildare to race into a 2-04 to 0-01 lead.

This seemed to shake the Royals and they finished the half strongly scoring an unanswered 2-04, Lauren Smith and Megan O Connor both found the net for the Royals to leave them ahead by 1 at the break by 2-05 to 2-04.

On the restart, Freya Healy put the home side back in front converting two quick points and Meath levelled through the boot of Ella McGlue. With the game in the balance, up stepped Kildare’s Tara Rafferty to find the net and when Leah Tyrell pointed, Kildare gained some breathing space leading by 7 points with 10 minutes to go.

Like all Meath teams, the Royals refused to concede and the game finished with a flurry of scores and excitement. Megan O Connor converted a penalty to bring the gap back to four. Kildare pointed again but O Connor was on fire as she netted again followed with a point from Caoimhe Giles leaving a point between them, Kildare leading by 1 point in injury time. 

The excitement of a tight contest could be felt in the stands with both sets of supporters very vocal in cheering on their respective sides.

Kildare captain Healy pointed to give Kildare a two point cushion. Meath were in search of a goal to win the game, yet Kildare defended well to keep their goal intact with Caoimhe Giles pointing but it wasn't enough for the Royals. Referee Des McEnery blew the full time whistle to the relief of the home side and management ensuring Kildare a second win in the competition by a single point; 3-14 to 4-10.

A win at home to Louth next Saturday afternoon will see Kildare into the provincial final on August 14th.

Both teams are to be commended for the level of skill and determination displayed throughout what was a highly competitive, entertaining contest.

Kildare: Lily O Connor, Roisin Kinch, Casey Noone, Maise Molly, Holly Telford, Aisling Irhue, Hannah Corrigan, Ava Kealy 0.01, Aine McNally, Anna Coburn 0.01, Eimear Behan, Leah Tyrell 1.01, Ava Conlon, Kate Kealy 0.01, Freya Healy 1.07 (C, 1 pen).

Subs: Lily Mullarkey, Aoibheann Birchall, Albhie Hennessy, Ruth Dillon 0.01, Megan Alcock, Brooke Downey Lynch, Tara Rafferty 1.01, Clodagh Berrigan, Esa Heslin, Lucy Cullinan, Bryana Abbey, Sarah Morrin, Amy Tyrrell 0.01, Katie Ray, Aoibhe McKeon.

Meath: Jessica O Neill, Lisa Nulty, Leah Davey, Ella Byrne, Julia Collins, Joy Osas, Suin Hartigan, Robyn Larkin (C), Grace Summerville, Niamh McGuinness, Lauren Smyth 1.00, Aine Keogh 0.01, Aoibhinn Poppy Byrne 0.01, Megan O Connor 3.03 (1 Pen), Ella McGlue 0.02.

Subs: Suin Murtagh, Megan Nolan, Sadhbh McKenna, Riona Daly, Afric Larkin, Maeve Walsh, Caoimhe Scully, Caoimhe Gilles 0.02, Izzy McKeon, Caoimhe McKenna, Isabelle Delaney, Kayla Dunne 0.01, Cliodhna Smith, Kym McGrath, Ciara Delaney.

Referee Des McEnery (Westmeath)

Report: Dónal Fitzpatrick

Photos: Karl Gormley