Minor ladies advance to All-Ireland final

Ladies football

Cavan 6-10

Kildare 0-9

Cavan minor ladies have qualified for the All-Ireland minor football final with a very comprehensive victory over Kildare on a scoreline of 6-10 to 0-9 in the Downs, Co Westmeath last evening.

In the process, the minors became the third Cavan ladies side to make the final this year, following on from the U14s, who lost their decider in extra time, and the U16s, who take the field on Saturday against Mayo.

Cavan started the match strongly with a goal inside 40 seconds coming from corner-forward Kate Fegan.

Kildare replied with a point from Caoimhe Egan but Cavan again, less than a minute later, hit the net again through Emma Tolan who reacted quickest when Katie O'Meara's brilliant long-range point effort hit the post.

Cavan's Lauren Miney sent over a point; Erin Healy replied with a free but then came the third goal from Ella Sheridan after a lovely side-step following a clever Fegan pass.

Again the Lilywhites hit a point but O'Meara fisted one over after good work from Ellie Brady, the dominant Cavan captain.

Another super run from Ellie Brady saw her cut in and drop the ball and Irish international basketball player Tolan was on hand to palm home to make it 4-2 to 0-2.

Three successive Kildare points followed but Cavan had the last say of the first half with a free from, Sheridan to make it 4-3 to 0-7 at the break.

Another free from Sheridan after Fegan was fouled increased the Breffniwomen's lead. Then Tolan hit the net after O'Meara had cut in and squared the ball to the Lurgan woman, who scored with the left foot.

Kildare were now down to 14 players and Cavan put the game to bed with points from Brady, O'Meara (two) and Tolan to make it 5-8 to 0-7 with 15 minutes left.

Cavan introduced some subs; Kayla Brady came off the bench and bagged a goal after side-stepping the goalkeeper and then added a point.

Kildare sent over a free from Healy to make it 0-8 to 6-9 before Hannah McPhilips added a point for Cavan.

The Cavan backs were outstanding, Sinead Kelly deserving special mention. Katie Mai Reilly played an intelligent game in a sweeper role also.

Cavan march on to the All-Ireland final where they will face Kerry.