National Ladies Football League Division 3: Clare 2-9 Roscommon 2-9
Despite a controversial finish with a highly debatable breach claim going in favour of Roscommon, Clare’s status in Division 3 of the National Ladies Football League is secured.
It could well have been a different story though, with the match official incorrectly calling a breach that led to Roscommon kicking the levelling score of the contest with the last kick of the game.
Had that been the winning score, it would have seen Clare relegated as Laois found a late winner to overcome Louth, ensuring a nervy few closing seconds for the Banner faithful in Clarecastle.
Overall, Clare deserved the result to secure their status, coming from 2-7 to 1-7 behind in the closing quarter to earn the point.
Roscommon led 1-6 to 1-5 at the break having played into a strong crossfield wind. Chloe Moloney expertly dispatched a penalty early in the contest for Clare, and would do so again with eight minutes to play to put the home side into the lead.
Joanna Doohan, Amy Sexton and Caoimhe Cahill all kicked key scores in the closing quarter for Clare, as they began to impose their running game on their opponents.
A fortuitous goal for Roscommon in the 46th minute had threatened to derail Clare’s chances, but Moloney’s penalty was the lifeline which would ultimately lead to survival.
Next up for Clare will be the Munster Senior B series before the group stages of the All Ireland intermediate championship
