There are few words, if any, that can comfort after today's All Ireland Semi-Final in the immaculate surroundings of Meath Hill GFC. However, there are some days when the hop of the ball favours one team over another, or one pass goes astray or the ball goes just wide of the post. Unfortunately, that day was today for the determined and hard-working girls of Dee Rangers. To Murroe Boher's credit - they were tremendous from the get go, never giving Dee Rangers a moment's rest and they pushed forward in droves. Their athleticism and skill will make for an intriguing All Ireland Final in two weeks' time.

The first half began at lightening pace, with the team from Murroe Boher dictating matters early on. Dee Rangers had their chances with Becks Goodwin and Kelly Farrelly forcing the Limerick keeper, Aoife Barry, into some fine saves. With Kathryn Foley and Shauna Ryan in ruthless form pushing forward and Louise Crowley, Murroe Boher's captain, marshalling the defence, Dee Rangers found it difficult to make any headway in attack. Dee Rangers were delivered a blow early on when wing forward Megan O'Meara slipped through and somehow managed to push the ball past Dee Rangers keeper Aoife Burke, who had otherwise a decent game out. All too often, the Rangers players hung on to possession just that little too long and were punished by the speed and directness of the Limerick champions play. At half time, Dee Rangers were well within the realms of turning the game on its head, trailing by 1-06 to no score.

However, it just wasn't to be. Murroe Boher continued their barricade in defence in the second half. The Limerick team were led by the superb midfield pairing of Niamh Richardson and Shauna Ryan who scored 0-08 between them - admirable for any midfield. To their credit, Dee Rangers never once gave up. Briona Rowe never once relented, while sister Shauna stood tall in the Rangers defence. Becks Goodwin, Samantha Martin and Kelly Farrelly upfront did all they could but today was just not their day. Murroe Boher finished with a flourish - tagging on points through Richardson and Grainne Regan before referee Paul Swift brought proceedings to a close. Full time score; Murroe Boher 1-13, Dee Rangers 0-00.

While today may not have been how Dee Rangers would liked to have exited the competition, they can keep their heads high. The community spirit that has developed over the last number of weeks in the area is something that the panel of players and all involved in the club should be very proud of. The club provided refreshments for all after the game today - something almost unheard of these days. So to the girls in Dee Rangers that are bitterly disappointed - take a look around at what you have achieved - Meath Junior Champions, Leinster Junior Champions and a very proud community. With a huge percentage of this panel under 21, the future is bright for the girls of Dee Rangers.

Dee Rangers; Aoife Burke, Aine Duff, Orlaith Duff, Sarah Halpenny, Aoife Conlon, Shauna Rowe, Orlaith Sheehy, Briona Rowe (C), Emma Rafferty, Sinead Carolan, Lisa Young, Grace Malone, Kelly Farrelly, Rebecca Goodwin, Samantha Martin.
Subs: Hannah Mulvany for G. Malone, Ciara O'Connell for A. Conlon.

Murroe Boher: Aoife Barry, Aoife Meaney, Siobhan O'Connor, Saoirse Barry, Aisling Regan, Louise Crowley (C), Kathryn Fahey, Niamh Richardson (0-05), Shauna Ryan (0-03), Megan O'Meara (1-00), Grainne Regan (0-03), Michelle Norris, Lisa Leonard, Claire Keating (0-02), Alannagh Russell.

Referee: Paul Swift (Monaghan)

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