Lidl LGFA National League (Round 3)

LAOIS 0-5 TIPPERARY 2-8

The Tipp Senior Ladies team played Laois in their third round Lidl League game in Crettyard, Laois on Sunday.

Following away games against Cavan (win) and Tyrone (loss) Tipperary welcomed back Lauren Fitzpatrick to the goalkeeping role but were missing Aishling Moloney through injury for the visit to the O’Moore county.

Playing against a very strong wind, Tipp settled very well but missed some opportunities to open the scoring. Laois opened the scoring through Mo Nerney before a strong run from Niamh Martin saw her execute a shot for the equalising point.

The home side replied after ten minutes to take the lead again. Neassa Towey then availed of a breaking ball to score the game’s opening goal after 12 minutes.

Emma Morrissey increased the Tipp lead with a point from a free.

Tipp were dominating the game at this stage with Morrissey adding another free.

A Laois attack brought out a great save from Lauren Fitzpatrick, followed by a point from Mo Nerney for Laois. Just before half-time, Angela McGuigan finished the half for Tipp with a point from play to send the teams to the break with Tipp leading by 1-4 to 0-3.

Laois opened the second half more brightly, scoring two points in a row. They were very unlucky not to add a goal with a shot coming back off the post.

Tipp soon settled with two points in a row from free taker Emma Morrissey to increase the lead to five points again.

With five minutes to go Tipp secured the win with a goal from Angela McGuigan.

Another free from Morrissey and a point from play by Anna Downey gave the Tipp side a convincing win in the end.

The victory keeps Tipperary in the promotion hunt but a vital promotion game awaits them in the next round as they meet Kildare at home. Kildare are on an unbeaten run of 17 games since 2023 and are top of Division 2.

Tipperary team:

Lauren Fitzpatrick (Ballymacarbry), Katelyn Downey (Boherlahan/Dualla), Lucy Spillane (Fethard), Emma Cronin (Moyle Rovers), Nora Martin (Sliabh na mBan), Maria Curley (Templemore), Niamh Martin (Sliabh na mBan), Laura Morrissey (Brian Borus), Anna Rose Kennedy (Aherlow), Neassa Towey (Templemore), Marie Creedon (Thurles Sarsfields), Emer McCarthy (Galtee Rovers / St Pecaun’s), Emma Morrissey (Aherlow), Angela McGuigan (Sliabh na mBan), Heather Spillane (Fethard).

Tipperary scores: Emma Morrissey 0-5 frees, Angela McGuigan 1-1, Neassa Towey 1-0, Niamh Martin and Anna Downey 0-1 each.

Subs used: Nell Spillane (Fethard), Sarah English (Ardfinnan), Cliona O’Dwyer (Brian Borus), Sara Morrissey (Aherlow), Aoife Flynn (Galtee Rovers/St Pecaun’s), Anna Downey (Cahir) and Sarah Ryan (Arravale Rovers)