Crokes fight back to claim fifth Leinster crown
Kilmacud overcame a determined Longford Slashers challenge to retain the provincial senior football title. Two early goals had the underdogs dreaming in Portlaoise, but a sparkling second-half surge secured a 3-16 to 2-8 victory.
Kilmacud Crokes stormed back from a half-time deficit to secure a fifth successive AIB Leinster senior club football title, defeating Longford Slashers 3-16 to 2-8 at Laois Hire O’Moore Park in Portlaoise.
The Longford champions, chasing their county’s first senior provincial crown, made a flying start with the wind behind them. Jessica Barry converted a fifth-minute penalty after Orlaith Nevin was fouled following her own effort against the crossbar. Kate Shannon added a second goal after good work by Clodagh Lohan.
Crokes stayed in touch through points from Sinead O’Donoghue and Lea Carrigy before Michelle Davoren’s 17th-minute goal drew them level. Niamh Cotter edged the Dublin champions ahead, but four Barry frees helped Slashers into a 2-5 to 1-5 interval lead.
Sadbh Murphy, Cotter and Niamh Murray wiped out that advantage within two minutes of the restart. Caoimhe Lohan briefly restored the Longford side’s lead, but Crokes then struck 1-5 without reply, with Cotter scoring from distance.
Cotter finished with 2-3 as Crokes pulled clear, while Davoren contributed 1-2. Barry led the Slashers scoring with 1-4. Barry Redmond of Wexford refereed the final.