Louth Ladies celebrate All-Ireland success

Louth Ladies clinched the TG4 All-Ireland Ladies JFC title with a comprehensive 4-12 to 0-2 victory over Scotland in Croke Park yesterday.

The Wee County had lost the finals in 2010 and 2012 but there was no denying Martin Connolly’s side this time around as they cruised to a 22 point victory.

Louth scored 2-6 in either half as captain Michelle McMahon, who only featured for three minutes due to a finger injury, got her hands on the West County Hotel Cup at full-time.

Aimee NcNally and Ciara O’Connor found the net in the opening half before Laura Collins and Kate Flood netted in the second to secure Louth’s promotion to the intermediate grade for next year.

Louth: U Pearson; J Kelly, E Singleton, O Brennan; M Sullivan, E Murray, B McGrane; R Carr (0-1), G Lynch; P Murray (0-4), S Byrne (0-2), A McNally (1-0); C O’Connor (1-1), K Flood (1-2, 1f), L Collins (1-2). Subs: A Halligan for Sullivan (19), A Conlon for McNally (40), C Nugent for O’Connor (52), L Grills for Brennan (53), M McMahon for Collins (57).

Louth take on Scotland this Sunday in All-Ireland Junior Championship final

Louth captain Michelle McMahon (left) will be hoping to get her hands on silverware at Croke Park on Sunday. The game will be followed by the intermediate and senior deciders.

Louth Ladies will take on Scotland this Sunday in the TG4 All-Ireland Junior Final.

Captain Michelle McMahon is the only doubt for Martin Connolly’s side heading into the game as she battles to overcome injury to lead the side out at Croke Park.

One of the stars of the show for Louth on the way to the final has been forward Kate Flood, who five goals in the 6-11 to 2-6 victory over Lancashire in the semi-final.

The St Patrick’s player hit 5-8 in the Leinster final against Carlow earlier this year and will be hoping for a similar return having scored 4-6 in a previous outing away to Scotland earlier this year.

Louth will come up against a familiar face in the final with former Wee County and Roche Emmets player Rosanna Heeney, who is now based in Edinburgh, the Scotland captain.

Regardless of the result, there will be a post match reception on Sunday in the Crowne Plaza Hotel at 8pm. Tickets, priced €20, are available from Edel on 087 6291370 and Sonia on 087 6906677.

Ladies Football TV caught up with Laura Collins and Martin Connolly after the semi-final win. Check it out below.

Dundalk dismiss reports that Ed Sheeran is to attend tonight’s Champions League game

Dundalk FC have denied reports that Ed Sheeran is set to attend tonight’s Champions League clash against BATE Borisov at Oriel Park.

LMFM reporter Gerry Malone broke the news yesterday that the ‘Thinking Out Loud’ singer was set to attend the sell out game in the build-up to his sold out shows at Croke Park this Friday and Saturday night.

However, while not ruling it out entirely, the club insist it is most unlikely.

Reports originated after the club was contacted by Sheeran’s tour manager for tickets but it is not believed that he will be attending.

Meanwhile, it has still not been officially confirmed whether tonight’s game will be shown live on the big screen at the Market Square.

This was posted on what turned out to be an unofficial Dundalk FC Instagram account yesterday and reported in various quarters, including on Talk of the Town, but general manager of Dundalk FC Martin Connolly said the club have not confirmed the matter.

“We did not confirm that the match is to be shown on the screen at the Square as this has got nothing to do with us. I was interviewed on Dundalk FM on Saturday and someone sent a text in to say that it was being shown and I said that was great.”

Tonight’s game is live on RTÉ Two with a kick-off of 7.45pm.

Dundalk FC announce partnership with Malahide Utd

Kevin Craven of Malahide Utd and Martin Connolly of Dundalk FC at last night’s partnership announcement between the two clubs in Gannon Park

Dundalk FC and Malahide United have announced a partnership programme as a pathway development for young players.

The announcement was made at Gannon Park last night by the two clubs and the FAI. The deal aims to give Malahide United players the platform to play in Dundalk’s U-17 and U-19 teams and perhaps even the first-team.

Malahide United will be able to develop players from four years of age until they are 16. The partnership will be for players over the age of 16 where Dundalk FC will be able to provide an opportunity for them to progress further.

The plans were stewarded by Dundalk FC general manager Martin Connolly and Kevin Craven of Malahide. Dundalk currently have five players from Malahide in their U-18 and U-19 setups while current assistant manager Vinny Perth is a former manager of the north Dublin side.