Kennedy goal seals victory as Offaly advance
Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Intermediate Camogie Championship: Group 1, Round 5
Offaly 2-10 Westmeath 1-8
Offaly overcame Westmeath by five points at TEG Cusack Park last Saturday afternoon, thereby setting up an All-Ireland quarter-final against Meath.
And Offaly's clash with Meath is set to take place this Saturday, July 13 at FBD Semple Stadium in Thurles (throw-in 2pm).
Despite another fine individual tally from Megan Dowdall, Westmeath paid the price for missed opportunities and were knocked out of the championship as Offaly claimed a quarter-final on Saturday last.
On a day which saw a mix of clear skies and showers, it was Offaly who came out of the blocks first, winning several ground rucks following Clodagh Leahy’s opening-minute free. Dowdall levelled almost instantly in what would go on to be a stop-start affair.
A Leahy free dropped short as Westmeath somehow escaped with Anna Weir and Jade McKeogh clearing when an Offaly goal seemed certain. Caoimhe McCrossan went down injured but remained on as Leahy added another free.
Caoimhe McCormack, in her debut season at adult level, burst through to find Dowdall but her effort was saved by Offaly goalie Leah Gallagher. From the ensuing advantage, Dowdall levelled.
Joint Offaly captain Grace Teehan put her side ahead again as McCrossan was replaced, unable to shake off a shoulder issue.
Dowdall levelled from a placed ball on 18 minutes when McCormack was unceremoniously felled. Within the following 60 seconds, Offaly fired 1-1 through Becky Bryant’s point and Teehan’s low effort to the net.
Dowdall was having none of it, however, and a long ball into space from Amelia Shaw found the half-forward who managed to rifle to the roof of the net, despite having three Offaly defenders around her near the endline.
The rain arrived to make conditions tricky as David Sullivan's side went in at the break ahead by 1-7 to 1-6. Leahy’s two frees either side of an Áine O’Connor point were met with replies from two Dowdall placed balls.
One solitary score came in the opening quarter of the second half courtesy of a Leahy free – a harsh call on Áine Newman who was deemed to be overcarrying despite being sandwiched by several Offaly players and outstretched hurls. Some of the basics were not sticking for the home side with nerves playing a part also.
Pádraic Connaughton’s charges were given a chance to take the lead after 45 minutes when Sheila McGrath was dragged down on the run, resulting in a penalty. However, Megan Dowdall saw her penalty effort go to the right and wide.
Westmeath were having the upper hand in possession but not utilising it to the best of their abilities. The Division 2A champions hit a number of unforced wides when calm was needed.
The visitors extended the lead to three points with a Mairéad Jennings free. Bearing down on goal in search of the leveller, Megan Dowdall was hauled down by Leahy and had to settle for a free, which she pointed.
Offaly struck the killer blow as the clocked ticked to the final minute, with substitute Gráinne Kennedy raising a green flag.
Nine scores from 23 shots probably tells the tale for Westmeath as their season ends in disappointment, while Offaly march on to their quarter-final clash against Meath.
Player of the match: Clodagh Leahy (Offaly). Overall, Leahy's display was one of the main factors in Offaly's victory.
What it means: Offaly advance to the quarter-finals where they will face Meath as Westmeath exit the championship.
Score of the match: Dowdall’s goal was a trademark strike. No space, surrounded by opposition and yet still managed to bury it
Scorers - Offaly: C Leahy 0-5 (5f), G Teehan, G Kennedy 1-1 each, Á O’Connor, M Jennings (f), B Bryant 0-1 each. Westmeath: M Dowdall 1-7 (5f), A Shaw 0-1
Offaly: Leah Gallagher; Ciara Ryan, Cathy Fogarty, Orla Gorman; Orlagh Phelan, Áine O’Connor, Kaitlyn Kennedy; Sharon Shanahan, Clodagh Leahy; Ellen Regan, Mairéad Jennings, Grace Teehan; Becky Bryant, Faye Mulrooney, Fianait Dooley. Subs used: Alana Roddy for K Kennedy (30+3 mins), Gráinne Kennedy for Ryan (42), Elizabeth Harding for O’Connor (59), Leah Gath for Jennings (59).
Westmeath: Anna Weir; Laura Doherty, Julie McLoughlin, Jade McKeogh; Maria Kelly, Caoimhe McCormack, Muireann Scally; Aoife O’Malley, Caoimhe McCrossan; Hannah Core, Amelia Shaw, Megan Dowdall; Holly Dowdall, Sheila McGrath, Meadbh McLoughlin. Subs used: Áine Newman for McCrossan (13 mins, injured), Meadbh Scally for Core (42), Emily McCabe for Kelly (49), Ava Balfe for M McLoughlin (59).
Referee: Enda Loughnane (Galway).