Laois Ladies sweep aside Monaghan challenge to get league campaign off to a flyer

The reigning All-Ireland Intermediate Ladies football champions made their return to action on Sunday afternoon in O’Moore Park. Donie Brennan’s side were hoping to continue the momentum from last season as they went into this Division 2 against a recently relegated Monaghan outfit.

Despite being down several big names through injury and unavailability, Laois put in a very impressive performance here. First half goals from Erone Fitzpatrick and Mo Nerney gave Laois the initiative at half-time, with Sarah Ann Fitzgerald getting in for a third goal after the break and sealing the points for the Laois Ladies.

Laois 3-14

Monaghan 1-6

Monaghan struck first in O’Moore Park. Amy Garland crashed over a close-range effort after the Laois defence was caught ball-watching. However, Laois responded positively after this to take the lead.

Mo Nerney got Laois on the scoreboard with a point from a placed ball. Nerney then set up Laura Marie Maher from the next play for the home side’s opening score from play

Laois were pressing high and at times only had their goalkeeper, Eimear Barry, in their own half of the field from Monaghan kickouts. This worked well early on but some wayward shooting from Donie Brennan’s team meant they failed to take advantage on the scoreboard.

Monaghan, who had been outplayed for most of the first quarter, struck for a goal against the run of play. Laois were caught out at the back from their high press, with Monaghan full-forward Chloe McBride crashing a shot into the back of Eimear Barry’s net.

Laois replied with points from Sarah Ann Fitzgerald and corner-back Anna Healy. While Chloe McBride landed a free for Monaghan to level the teams, Laois’ hard-work would pay off in the second quarter.

Mo Nerney knocked over another free before Laois carved out a chance at goal. Laois intercepted a Monaghan kick-out, with the ball being transferred over to Nerney inside the square. Nerney’s effort hit the post though, while Shirfra Havill also saw the rebound saved off the line. Sarah Ann Fitzgerald did grab a point from the play though.

Laois did grab two goals before half-time though. Laois turned over Monaghan once more and a few handpasses later saw the ball in Erone Fitzpatrick’s hands. Fitzpatrick’s attempt at a point looped over Monaghan keeper Alanna O’Donoghue and into the net.

The second goal arrived shortly after the first. Sarah Ann Fitzgerald’s shot was blocked by Monaghan corner-back, Maeve Monaghan. However, referee Declan Carolan deemed that it was a foot-block and Laois were awarded a spotkick.

Nerney stepped up, and while her penalty was saved by Alanna O’Donoghue, Nerney managed to tuck home the rebound for Laois’ second goal. Leanna Maguire managed to grab a point back for Monaghan just before the half-time whistle went, as they trailed 1-3 to 2-7 at this stage.

Just like the first half, Monaghan wing-forward Amy Garland opened the scoring with a point from play. Laois responded well strongly though, as Eva Galvin played a nice one-two with Erone Fitzpatrick before Galvin drilled over.

Monaghan were playing very defensively and Laois seemed content to just pass it amongst themselves for a few minutes. When Donie Brennan’s charges eventually decided to attack Monaghan at pace they earned themselves a free which Nerney curled over.

Substitute Lauren Garland replied for Monaghan with a lovely point but Laois put the game to bed shortly after. Sarah Ann Fitzgerald read a pass coming out of defence and intercepted it, with the full-forward volleying the loose ball soccer-style into the bottom corner of the net for Laois’ third goal.

The impressive Eva Galvin added another point to her name before Chloe McBride hit back for Monaghan through a placed ball. Laois finished the game on top though, as they registered the final four scores to put cap off a very decent first outing of the year.

Sarah Ann Fitzgerald added two more points to her name, with one coming from a free and one from play. Nerney also curled over two more frees for Laois, as they ended up fourteen-point victors in O’Moore Park