Meath… 2-05
Waterford… 1-09
Unfortunately the sun didn’t shine – literally or metaphorically – on a proud day for Ballinlough GFC as they played host to what turned out to be another disappointing defeat for Meath in the Lidl Ladies NFL.
The current All Ireland champions will be thankful that in the Ladies’ game a win at this time of year is worth three points as their victory over Donegal in Letterkenny should be enough to keep them out of the relegation mire as, combined with their draw with Galway, it leaves them ahead of both the Tir Chonaill ladies and Mayo.
It had all started so well here as, despite the atrocious weather conditions, Meath lead by 2-04 to 0-04 at the break with the goals coming via Niamh O’Sullivan and Amy O’Leary of Blackhall Gaels.
O’Sullivan, akin to her clubmate Mat Costello with the Royal County men, most certainly has the goal-den touch, but, when the visitors from the South East assumed control after the short whistle it put the hosts on the back foot.
It may have been the case that the break came at the worst possible time for Davy Nelson’s side because from the restart Na Deise had all the momentum, laying siege to the Meath rearguard. The very accurate KellyAnn Hogan slowly but surely hauled the white and blue back into the contest.
Meath did introduce Dunboyne’s deadly duo – Emma Duggan and Vikki Wall – off the bench but in the end the incessant pressure on their defence told and McGregor took advantage of a slip up at the back to nab what mostly looked an unlikely victory for her team.
MEATH – R. Murray; A. Sheridan, MK Lynch, K. Newe; N. Gallogly, S. Ennis, A. Cleary (0-1); M. O’Shaughnessy, A. Minogue; M. Thynne, A. Sherlock, C. Smyth; A. O’Leary (1-0), S. Grimes (0-1), N. O’Sullivan (1-2). Subs – A. O’Dowd for Smyth, E. Duggan (0-1) for O’Leary, S. Melia for Ennis, A. McCabe for Minogue, V. Wall for Sherlock.
Referee: Maggie Farrelly (Cavan).
FOGRA: On a day of immense pride for Ballinlough GFC, it was very fitting that the Lord Mayor of all things red and white Tom Lynch was front and centre of all goings on. Meath star Emma Duggan and Co Board official Colm McManus were on hand to present the main man with a new Meath jersey after the match.
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