A superb display of free-taking by Louise Mahony in the second half of Sunday’s Gala All-Ireland Junior Championship Nancy Murray Cup final at Leixlip ensured Laois took their first title in this grade following a six point win.

Conditions were ideal for this contest which certainly was a game of two halves as Meath dominated the opening 30 minutes to hold a 1-9 to 0-3 interval lead with Christine O’Brien taking Meath’s only goal with a superb strike from 13 metres in the 11th minute.

Laois could only manage one point from a Louise Mahony free in the opening quarter, after which Meath led by 1-4 to 0-1 with some excellent points for the Royals from O’Brien, Dearbhla O’Carroll, Jane Dolan and free-taker supreme Aileen Donnelly.

The Meath captain certainly led by example with five first half points, all impressive scores from placed balls and long range efforts.

However, Meath were to be simply mesmerised by Laois on the restart as Laois came out fired up for the second half.

The Royals weren’t to score in the second half as Louise Mahony gave an outstanding display of free-taking with six points from frees before she assisted Elaine Cuddy in taking Laois’ only goal in the 48th minute.

Both Mahony and Cuddy continued to remain strong and Laois sealed victory with two Louise Mahony frees in the fifth minute of injury time to ensure Denise Quigley would be lifting the cup.

NANCY MURRAY CUP FINAL

LAOIS: L Mahony (14f) 0-14; E Cuddy 1-1
MEATH: A Donnelly (4f, 1 45) 0-5; C O’Brien 1-1; J Dolan (1f) 0-2; D O’Carroll 0-1

Filed under: Laois Hurling, Ladies GAA