Meath 4-15 Laois 2-9

Meath easily saw off the challenge of Laois in this opening round of the Leinster Ladies Intermediate Football Championship played in blustery conditions at Pairc Tailteann.

The home side laid the foundations for this victory while playing with the wind in the opening half. 

A brace of goals from Stacey Grimes and one from centre forward Emma Duggan put the Royals 3-10 to 1-5 at the break. The margin would have been closer but for a few outstanding saves from Meath keeper Monica McGuirk. 

Laois went ahead, 1-2 to 0-3, for the only time in the game when Laura Nerney found the back of the Meath net after 10 minutes but from there on the home side outscored their opponents 3-7 to 0-3.

Emma Lawlor got in for a goal 13 minutes in to the second half but that’s as good as it got for David Gibson’s charges. Meath scored their fourth goal through substitute Bridgetta Lynch four minutes later. The impressive Grimes finished the scoring with two pointed frees as Meath finished comfortable winners.

With ten minutes remaining Laois lost Fiona Kelly. The keeper had to be stretchered off after an accidental clash with Meath goal scorer Lynch.

Meath: Monica McGuirke, Katie Newe, Sarah Powderly, Orlaith Duff, Aoibhin Clery, Shauna Ennis 0-1, Niamh Gallogly 0-1, Marie O’Shaughnessy 0-1, Kate Byrne, Megan Thynne 0-1, Emma Duggan 1-3, Orla Byrne, Stacey Grimes 2-6, Kelsey Nesbitt 0-1, Vikki Wall 0-1. Subs: Bridgetta Lynch 1-0, Aoibheann Leahy, Shelly Melia, Niamh Sheridan, Seanaidh Hickey.

Laois: Fiona Kelly, Mary Cotter, Clodagh Dunne, Maureen Young, Anna Healy, Ellen Healy, Aine Halberlin, Laura Nerney 1-1, Jane Moore 0-1, Erone Fitzpatrick 0-3, Caoimhe Simms, Sinead Cullen, Mo Nerney 0-3, Aisling Kehoe, Emma Lawlor 1-1. Subs: Aimee Kelly, Shannon Costello, Emily McWey, Julia Cahill, Sinead O’Rourke.

Referee Finbarr Shanahan

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