All-Ireland Intermediate Ladies Football Championship – Sunday, 14th July 2019
Wexford 3-10 Clare 0-16
Three Wexford goals at critical times gave the visitors a priceless win in Doonbeg and put Clare’s All-Ireland title ambitions on the line.
James Murrihy’s charges must beat Laois next week to have any chance of reaching the quarter-finals.
The teams shared the first four scores with Fidelma Marrinan and Grainne Nolan contributing before Niamh O’Dea put Clare 0-3 to 0-2 ahead.
But Wexford got in for their first goal on 12 minutes before going three points clear. However, the Banner kept the scoreboard ticking as Caoimhe Harvey, Niamh O’Dea and Fidelma Marrinan restored parity again.
Roisin Considine added another Clare point while Grainne Nolan had a penalty saved. But Wexford held an interval advantage of 1-6 to 0-8.
A good start to the second half was required and the hosts deliverd with Fidelma Marrinan, Grainne Nolan and Eimear Keane all raising white flags.
But on 39 minutes, Wexford got their second goal and raced into a 2-7 to 0-11 lead.
Clare dug deep again through Orla Devitt, Ailish Considine and Grainne Harvey to level entering the final 10 minutes but a third major for the purple and gold finally gave them a match winning advantage.
Niamh O’Dea and Roisin Considine found the target in the closing stages but only a goal would save Clare’s contest. The Banner head to Crettyward to face the O’Moore women next Sunday and must come home with a win.
Scorers – Clare: Fidelma Marrinan 0-3, Niamh O’Dea 0-3, Grainne Nolan 0-2, Roisin Considine 0-2, Ailish Considine 0-2, Caoimhe Harvey 0-1, Eimear Keane 0-1, Orla Devitt 0-1, Grainne Harvey 0-1.
Clare: Ciara Harvey; Aine Keane, Ellie O’Gorman, Grainne Harvey; Carol O’Leary, Laurie Ryan, Siofra Ní Chonaill; Orla Devitt, Eimear O’Connor; Roisin Considine, Ailish Considine, Caoimhe Harvey; Grainne Nolan, Niamh O’Dea, Fidelma Marrinan.
