Bord Gáis Energy National Ladies Football League Semi Final
Meath v Cork
Sunday 29th April at 2pm
Crettyard GFC, Co. Laois

Half Time: Meath 0-06 v Cork 2-04
Full Time: Meath 0-10 v Cork 3-10

With five minutes to go in the Bord Gais Energy National Ladies Football League semi final between Meath and Cork today in Crettyard, Meath were four points adrift of reigning All Ireland Champions and playing lovely football. However, it was not to be, Cork found a fifth gear to finish the stronger and leave nine points between the teams when referee Keith Delahunty blew the final whistle.

Meath were given the advantage of playing with the gale force wind, which was blowing straight down the pitch, in the first half. Choosing to employ Jenny Rispin as an extra defender was an interesting choice when Meath had the benefit of the wind, but it certainly paid dividends in the second half when Meath defence was under pressure. Meath were first on to the scoreboard with a terrific team effort superbly finished by Vivienne McCormack. Cork however raced into a 2-03 to 0-01 lead after ten minutes. Centre back and multi winning All Star Brid Stack was instrumental in creating Cork's early chances that were duly converted by Ciara O'Sullivan, Nollaig Cleary and Captain Rhona Buckley. It looked like Meath were going to suffer a crushing defeat, but Shauna Bennett's eleventh minute long range point woke up the Royals and spurred them into action. A moment later and a foul on Oldcastle's Eileen Rahill allowed Kellie Allen to convert the free from the forty-five metre line. Captain Katie O'Brien led by example and converted a free on sixteen minutes to leave just two goals between the sides. Possession was very much with the Royals at this point but they could not find a way through the Cork rearguard. However with Orla Byrne, Aedin Murray and Orla Sheridan all playing well, it allowed Meath retain more possession and attack at every opportunity. Efforts by Vivienne McCormack were unlucky and deserved better as McCormack was determined to add her name to the scoresheet. Buckley added Cork's fourth point and final score of the half on twenty four mins, while Meath again assumed control. Super combination play between Katie O'Brien and Aoife Thompson sent O'Brien through who promptly split the posts for her second point of the contest. Kellie Allen added her second point of the afternoon on 29 mins when super team play set up the Oldcastle player nicely to split the posts. A moment later Allen may have found the back of the net but once again the Cork rearguard were on hand to smother the shot and it rolled into Elaine Harte's arms for the half time whistle to go. At half time just four points separated the teams - Meath 0-06, Cork 2-04.

The second half started with a chance for Katie O'Brien to find the back of the net but Harte stood strong. Cork then dominated - scoring three points in as many minutes. Aoife Thompson pulled one back for Meath on 37 mins while Cork continued their dominance of possession but spurned numerous chances and allowed the wide total to increase. A further point in the 45th minute for Cork signaled their intent. Again Meath stepped up and with Emma Troy, Fiona Mahon and Mary Sheridan all running at the Cork defence the Royals gave themselves a chance. O'Brien added her third point of the contest on 50 mins after a patient build up and superb ball in from substitute Laura Dempsey. Dempsey added a point of her own on 54 mins and it was a ball that may well have ended up in the back of the net. Thompson added Meath's tenth point of the contest moments later and suddenly Meath were looking a revival in the face just four points adrift and just six minutes left on the clock.
However, Cork lifted a gear, substitute Valerie Mulcahy collected a loose ball from Bennett and dutifully found the back of the net to end any possibility of a Meath comeback. Further points from substitute Annie Walsh and Ciara O'Sullivan ensured that Meath ended the wrong side of a nine point scoreline. It finished in Crettyward with Cork again qualifying for the National League final in two weeks time against Monaghan in a re-run of last year's All Ireland Final. Meanwhile Meath Seniors will now take time out with their clubs and resume preparations for what promises to be an exciting Leinster and All Ireland Championship. Best for Meath today were Orla Sheridan, Kellie Allen, Katie O'Brien and Aoife Thompson.

Meath Team & Scorers: Irene Munnelly, Orla Byrne, Aedin Murray, Orla Sheridan, Bridgetta Lynch, Eileen Rahill, Kellie Allen (0-02, 1f), Fiona Mahon, Shauna Bennett (0-01), Mary Sheridan, Katie O'Brien (C, 0-03, 1f), Aoife Thompson (0-02), Jenny Rispin, Vivienne McCormack (0-01), Emma Troy.
Subs: Laura Dempsey for McCormack (48 mins), Kate Byrne for Lynch (48 mins)

Referee: Keith Delahunty (Tipperary)

Upcoming Fixtures:
Saturday 5th May: Leinster Minor Championship Final: Meath V Dublin - Sarsfields GAA, Newbridge at 2.45pm. Ref: Des McEnery.
Monday 7th May: Aisling McGing Memorial Championship Round 1: Meath v Kildare - Meath Venue tbc at 2pm. Ref tbc. Tweet

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