*Fidelma Marrinan. Photograph: Burren Eye Photography
DESPITE a blistering start, Clare’s intermediate ladies footballers suffered a five point defeat in the opening round of the Lidl Ladies National Football League.
Laois 2-12
Clare 2-7
Fidelma Marrinan had Clare leading 2-02 to no score but Laois posed questions of the Clare defence that they were unable to answer as the tie progressed.
Following on from the early exploits of the West Clare Gaels forward, Clare would be outscored 2-12 0-05 from here until the final whistle, Laois scoring 2-08 without reply during this spell of absolute dominance.
Leading forward Niamh O’Dea and captain Caoimhe Harvey were among the high-profile names on the injury list with Evan Talty’s side now in need of a win when they welcome Kerry to Doonbeg on Saturday if they are to progress to the knockout stages.
Scorers: Mo Nerney (2-5, 2f), Erone Fitzpatrick (0-4), Rachel Williams, Emma Lawlor and Laura-Marie Maher (0-1 each).
Scorers Clare: Fidelma Marrinan (2-6, 1f), Ellie O’Gorman (0-1)
Laois: Eimear Barry, Clodagh Dunne, Amy Potts, Aimee Kelly, Anna Healy, Ellen Healy, Rachel Williams, Orla Hennessy, Jane Moore, Emma Lawlor, Emily Corbett, Erone Fitzpatrick, Mo Nerney, Laura-Marie Maher, Shifra Havill. Subs Used: Fiona Dooley, Sarah Anne Fitzgerald, Alanna Havill, Sarah Quigley.
Clare: Micaela Glynn (Kilmihil), Orla Devitt (Éire Óg), Tara Kelly (Cúil Gaels), Grainne Harvey (West Clare Gaels), Lauren Griffin (Fergus Rovers), Laurie Ryan (Banner), Roisin Looney (Cooraclare), Ellie O’Gorman (Kilmihil), Aisling Reidy (St. Joseph’s Doora-Barefield), Joanna Doohan (Kilmurry-Ibrickane), Aoife Keane (Banner), Amy Sexton (Kilmurry-Ibrickane), Caitriona Callinan (Kilmihil), Chloe Moloney (Kilmurry-Ibrickane), Fidelma Marrinan (West Clare Gaels). Subs Used: Sinead O’Keeffe (Banner), Lizzy Roche (Burren Gaels), Gráinne Nolan (Banner), Emma McMahon (Cúil Gaels), Ciara McCarthy (Kilmurry-Ibrickane), Aoibheann Malone (Banner), Louise Griffin (Fergus Rovers), Sinead Considine (Liscannor).
Referee: Paul Burke (Louth).
