AIB Leinster LGFA Club Championships Opening Weekend Wrap

By Aisling Clery

Reigning Leinster Senior Club Champions, Kilmacud Crokes, are safely through to the provincial semi-finals after Saturday’s victory over Offaly’s Naomh Ciarán. On Sunday, Eadestown and Tinahely joined the Dublin champions in the final four, with the final fixture between Longford Slashers and St. Lomans falling foul of Storm Ashley.

A strong second half showing ensured Kilmacud Crokes a third successive year in the provincial semi-finals. Éabha Rutledge and Amy Conroy both found the net twice each for Crokes, including a penalty converted by Conroy, while Niamh Cotter finished with 1-03 to her name. Galway skipper Ailbhe Davoren also impressed, converting 0-3 over the hour.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, Tinahely booked their place in the semi-finals with a 1-09 to 1-05 victory against Laois champions, St. Conleths. Jackie Kinch found the net for Tinahely while Laura McGrath hit 0-06 over the course of the game. St. Conleths battled valiantly and even led at the break, Marie Byrne’s goal the difference in the 1-04 to 0-4 half time scoreline. But Tinahely used their guile and finished four point winners.

In Dunshaughlin, a last minute goal from substitute Kate Murphy ensured the Kildare champions a place in the final four. Winning the toss, Eadestown played with the wind in the first half and built up a 0-7 to no score lead before Royal Gaels hit 1-2 to get themselves back into contention. At half time, Eadestown led 0-8 to 1-02. In the second half, Royal Gaels once again hit the net, while Niamh O’Sullivan chipped in with some terrific scores. Eadestown kept them under pressure. Grainne Kenneally, Ruth Sargeant and Grace Clifford were to the forefront for the winners who play Tinahely in the semi-final next Sunday.

The final quarter final between Longford Slashers and St. Lomans was postponed due to the deteriorating conditions of Storm Ashley. It will be played this Tuesday with the winners advancing to a semi-final against Kilmacud Crokes.

In the Intermediate Club Championship, a Shannon Richardson goal was the difference as O’Dwyers defeated St Josephs of Laois, 1-12 to 0-11. Longford’s Carrickedmond enjoyed a 2-13 to 0-7 win over Kildare’s Kill, while Carlow’s Bennekerry Tinryland defeated Carnew Emmetts of Wicklow by 2-17 to 0-02.

In the Junior Club Championship, Éire Óg Greystones defeated Edenderry 6-20 to 4-07. Laurie Cunningham hit a hat trick while Ella Andrews, Lucy O’Leary and Holly Sheehy also found the net. In Kilkenny, there was a point to spare as Muckalee defeated Longford’s Ballymore by 3-10 to 1-15. Kilcock defeated St. Brides of Louth by 5-10 to 1-10 while St Paul’s of Laois enjoyed an 8-14 to 1-03 win over Carlow’s Rathvilly.

RESULTS

AIB Leinster Senior Club Championship

Longford Slashers v St. Lomans – Tuesday, 22^nd October, 8pm, Michael Fay Park

Tinahely 1-09 St Conleths 1-05

Eadestown 2-10 Dunshaughlin Royal Gaels 2-07

Kilmacud Crokes 5-10 Naomh Ciaran 0-07

AIB Leinster Intermediate Club Championship

O’Dwyers 1-12 St. Josephs 0-11

Carrickedmond 2-13 Kill 0-07

Bennekerry Tinryland 2-17 Carnew Emmetts 0-02

AIB Leinster Junior Club Championship

Éire Óg Greystones 6-20 Edenderry 4-07

Muckalee 3-10 Ballymore 1-15

Kilcock 5-10 St Brides 1-10

St Pauls 8-14 Rathvilly 1-03