Limerick went into the game, which was played in Banagher, Co. Offaly, as favourites. The Division Two champions had beaten Meath when the two sides met earlier in the season.
Last year’s junior champions, Meath, showed great tenacity from the off and opened the scoring after centre-back Kristina Troy went on a solo from the middle of the field, winning a free which Jane Dolan converted.
Limerick responded with an excellent point from play from full forward Mary O’Callaghan. Niamh Mulcahy added a free shortly after and another which was won after Marie Keating played an excellent ball into corner forward Dymphna O’Brien who was fouled as she headed for goal. Another free won by Katie Campbell and converted by Niamh Mulcahy made it Limerick 0-4 Meath 0-1.
Meath were snapping at Limerick’s heels throughout the first half and were it not for some wayward shooting the ‘Royals’ might have levelled.
Meath corner forward Lizzie Brennan did score a point from play but Limerick added four more before half time to leave the score at the short whistle, Limerick 0-8 Meath 0-2.
Limerick started brightly in the second half when a shot from Marie Keating went narrowly wide. The next passage of play saw Niamh Mulcahy solo forward and her handpass found Dymphna O’Brien, who attacked the goal and kicked the ball into the net to open up a nine point lead. Limerick 1-8 Meath 0-2.
Meath responded well to the goal and successive waves of pressure meant they won three frees which were converted by Jane Dolan to bring the margin back to six points.
The next Limerick attack restored the nine point margin as Mary O’Callaghan’s save was converted by Dymphna O’Brien.
A fine score from Caoimhe Costello made the score Limerick 2-10 Meath 0-5. Meath’s final three point rally was not enough to defeat Joe Quaid’s side.
The well deserved victory for the Limerick girls sets up a clash with Galway in the final after the Tribeswomen beat Waterford by 1-15 to 1-7.
Galway will also play in the senior final as they go head to head with Kilkenny and the junior final will see Laois play Kildare.
All three finals will be played in Croke Park on 15th September with the intermediate game throwing in at 2pm.
Limerick Team:
Sile Moynihan (Ahane), Fiona Hickey (Granagh Ballingarry), Sarah Carey (Granagh Ballingarry), Judith Mulcahy (Ahane), Mairead Ryan (Galbally), Michelle Casey (Killeedy Captain), Rebecca Delee (Newcastle West) Deirdre Fitzpatrick (Killeedy) Caoimhe Costello (Adare) Niamh Mulcahy (Ahane) Katie Campbell (Na Piarsaigh Marie Keating (Killeedy) Deborah Murphy (Knockaderry) Mary O Callaghan (Bruff) Dymphna O’Brien (Killeedy)
Subs Used:
Meadhbh O’Neill (Galbally) for Katie Campbell. Karen O’Leary (Newcastle West) for Deirdre Fitzpatrick.
Manager Joe Quaid – Murroe Boher, Selectors Ger Sheehy, Anne Herbert – both Newcastle West. First Aid Sara Fitzgerald. Liason Officer James Moynihan
