Battling Limerick Ladies come up short against Louth in Division 3 National League fixture

LIMERICK'S search for a first win in Division 3 of the Lidl Ladies National Football League continues as the side came up short against Louth despite producing a battling display in a 2-7 to 0-6 reverse at Drogheda on Sunday afternoon.

The final scoreline did nor reflect Limerick's gritty display as the Shannonsiders remained hugely competitive throughout the Round 4 contest.

Home side Louth did dominate the early exchanges, but they struggled to convert their chances into scores against a well-organised Limerick defensive structure.

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However, after seven minutes, the Leinster side finally broke the deadlock when Ciara Woods brilliantly won possession, beat a defender and unleashed a powerful shot into the roof of the Limerick net.

Visitors Limerick hit back, responding with a score from Caoimhe McGrath, but the home team were enjoying the lion's share of possession with Sophie Everitt (2) extending Louth’s lead before McGrath replied with a point of her own.

Limerick did create a goal chance late in the half, but Rebecca Lambe Fegan reacted smartly to keep out Caoimhe McGrath’s goal-bound shot.

At the break, Louth led 1-3 to 0-2 after a tight, physical contest, with Louth’s ability to get crucial scores keeping them ahead.

Louth resumed with increased urgency, and they were quickly rewarded with both Sophie Everitt and
Shannon McLaughlin firing over.Limerick did reply courtesy of another Caoimhe McGrath point.

The 2025 All-Ireland Junior Football Championship winners responded with a second goal, again Ciara
Woods playing a prominent role as her pinpoint pass found Ciera Nolan in support, and the St. Fechin’s
star lashed an unstoppable shot past Limerick keeper Carol Bateman, giving the Reds a 2-6 to 0-4 lead after 50 minutes.

To their credit, Limerick added a couple of scores before both management teams gave most
of their substitutes some valuable minutes on the field.

SCORERS: Louth: Sophie Everitt 0-4, Ciera Nolan 1-1, Ciara Woods 1-0, Shannon McLaughlin 0-1, Eimear Byrne 0-1. Limerick: Caoimhe McGrath 0-5 Caoimhe Macnamara 0-1

Louth: Rebecca Lambe Fegan, Moyà Corrigan, Eilish Hand, Holly Lambe Sally, Amy Murray, Shannon
McLaughlin, Naoise McConnon, Aoife Halligan, Aine Breen, Lucy White, Ceire Nolan, Emma
Thompson, Eimear Byrne, Sophie Everitt, Ciara Woods. Subs used: Zara Sweeney, Mia Duffy, Louise Byrne, Laura Collins, Maggie Holland, Rachel Beirth, Meabh Hickey

Limerick: Carol Bateman, Shona Hickey, Aine Ryan, Rebecca Fitzgibbon, Meadhbh MacNamara, Lucy
O’Brien, Eadaoin Crowe, Orla Ryan, Emma Hickey, Caoimhe Macnamara, Laura Ryan, Katie Heelan,
Caoimhe McGrath, Tara Geoghegan, Laoise Brown. Subs used: Clodagh Real, Anna O'Dea, Martha Stanley, Moly Creedon, Leah Coughlan, Alex Russell, Jillian Buckley, Aisling Enright

Referee: Ian Culbert (Wicklow)