Niamh Brady hat trick steers Longford to facile win over Kilkenny in Lidl ladies national league

A Niamh Brady hat trick of goals was the highlight as Longford ladies secured their first victory of the Lidl National League Division 4 at Kilkenny’s expense on Sunday afternoon last in miserable wet and blustery conditions at MW Hire Training Centre Dunmore.  

Lidl Ladies Football National League Division 4 Round 2: Kilkenny 2-1 Longford 4-9 

Brady’s two first half goals meant Longford, who had played into the teeth of the elements, led by 2-2 to 0-1 at half time. Kilkenny did battle hard however Longford were the superior outfit and they wrapped up the win with further goals in the second half from Brady and sub Edel Sheehy.  

Having lost their opening round assignment by 1-6 to 2-14 away to Fermanagh the previous weekend, it was important for Longford to get their campaign back on track and they achieved that objective with a professional performance in exceptionally difficult weather. 

Despite playing against the strong wind and the energy sapping underfoot conditions, Longford looked the stronger and sharper side as they outscored their hosts by 2-1 to 0-1 during the opening quarter. 

Niamh Brady got them off to the perfect start by netting two goals with Kilkenny responding with a point courtesy of Ruby Roche. Longford were then awarded a penalty and Ella O’Reilly’s strike flew over the bar. 

Kilkenny, who suffered a heavy 0-2 to 2-18 defeat at the hands of Leitrim in the opening round of the league, refused to throw in the towel and they created a few goal scoring opportunities which they failed to execute. Credit also to the Longford defenders who were disciplined in their tackling, with Grace Kenny and Orla Nevin to the fore in making some vital turnovers.  

Grace Shannon’s well taken point ensured that Longford went in at the interval leading by 2-2 to 0-1 and Kilkenny’s prospects weren’t helped by the fact that midfielder Kelley Comerford ended the first half in the sin bin. 

On the resumption, a surging run by Sian Gallagher saw her land Longford’s third point of the contest. The ‘Cats’ replied immediately and Ruby Roche’s goal certainly breathed life into their challenge, 1-1 to 2-3. 

After capitalising on a misplaced kick out from Kilkenny ‘keeper Katie Fitzpatrick, Longford went on the attack and full forward Niamh Brady completed her hat trick by guiding a delicate chip to the net. 

Longford pinned Kilkenny back inside their own ‘45 and they kept the scoreboard ticking over nicely with points from Niamh Brady, Clodagh Lohan and Grace Shannon making it 3-6 to 1-1. 

With an unassailable lead built, Longford’s backroom team availed of the opportunity to give their panel game time. Kilkenny kept battling away and they were rewarded with a second goal scored by Caitlinn Moore, 3-6 to 2-1. 

Longford sub Edel Sheehy directed a powerful shot to the left corner of the net and shortly after busy Kilkenny ‘keeper Katie Fitzpatrick made a fantastic save to deny Clodagh Lohan. Longford ended the match with late points from Grace Shannon, Clodagh Lohan and Kate Shannon to finish as 4-9 to 2-1 winners.

Pat Tiernan’s Longford charges are away to Carlow in the third round of the league next Sunday, January 28 and they are also on the road in rounds four and five against Limerick and Derry on February 11 and 18. 

Scorers

Kilkenny: Ruby Roche 1-1, Caitlinn Moore 1-0

Longford: Niamh Brady 3-1, Edel Sheehy 1-0, Grace Shannon 0-3, Clodagh Lohan 0-2, Ella O’Reilly 0-1 (0-1 penalty), Sian Gallagher 0-1, Kate Shannon 0-1

Teams

KILKENNY: Katie Fitzpatrick; Amy Ring, Aibhe Galwey, Sarah Smith; Jennifer O’Keeffe, Ailish O’Neill, Keri Hennessy; Kelley Comerford, Becky Roche; Ellen Lawlor, Niamh Ward, Caitlinn Moore; Ruby Roche, Hollie Brennan, Kym Ryan. 

LONGFORD: Siobhan Egan (Carrickedmond); Anna Moorhead (Killoe), Leah Shannon (Carrickedmond), Grace Kenny (Longford Slashers); Orla Nevin (Longford Slashers), Ciara Mulligan (Carrickedmond), Caoimhe McCormack capt (Carrickedmond); Sian Gallagher (St Brigid’s Gaels, Ardagh), Ella O’Reilly (Mullinalaghta); Lauren McGuire (Carrickedmond), Grace Shannon (Longford Slashers), Caoimhe Lohan (Grattans); Clodagh Lohan (Grattans), Niamh Brady (Killoe), Elle Lynn (Mostrim).