All-Ireland Intermediate Ladies Football Championship – Sunday, 21st July 2019
Clare 4-13 Laois 1-12
Clare burst back into the All-Ireland championship picture with this stunning 10-point victory in Portlaoise.
After their opening round loss to Wexford, James Murrihy’s side needed to win by at least four points to book a final eight spot and they left nothing to chance.
The Banner raced into an early 2-4 to 0-0 advantage as goals from Laurie Ryan and Niamh O’Dea were complimented by points for Eimear O’Connor, Grainne Nolan and O’Dea (2).
Laois found the net but Clare’s response was immediate as Grainne Nolan struck their third goal and they led 3-7 to 1-3 at half-time as Catriona Callinan and O’Dea (2) added to the tally.
Niamh O’Dea added another after the restart before Grainne Nolan and Fidelma Marrinan found the target making it 3-10 to 1-4.
Laois enjoyed their best spell midway during the second period kicking six consecutive points while Ciara Harvey was also called upon to make two important Clare saves.
But on 47 minutes, Roisin Looney got the fourth Banner major to leave no doubts about the victory.
Even though Clare lost Roisin and Ailish Considine to yellow cards in the closing stages, they still ensured a double digit margin as Niamh O’Dea concluded with three more points.
Wexford play Laois next week to determine the other qualifier from Group 3. Clare’s opponents will be Tipperary, Meath, Longford or Wicklow.
Scorers – Clare: Niamh O’Dea 1-8, Grainne Nolan 1-2, Laurie Ryan 1-0, Roisin Looney 1-0, Eimear O’Connor 0-1, Catriona Callinan 0-1, Fidelma Marrinan 0-1.
Clare: Ciara Harvey; Aine Keane, Ellie O’Gorman, Grainne Harvey; Catriona Callinan, Laurie Ryan, Siofra Ní Chonaill; Roisin Looney, Eimear O’Connor; Roisin Considine, Ailish Considine, Caoimhe Harvey; Grainne Nolan, Niamh O’Dea, Fidelman Marrinan.
