LIDL NFL- Kilkenny Ladies lose out in league opener

The brisk winter weather did little to dampen an enthusiastic crowd at Dunmore ahead of the Kilkenny Ladies Football team’s National League opener orchestrated by a new management team under the guidance of John Murphy.

Facing a well-established intermediate side in Leitrim, last Sunday’s Division 4 clash was all about building for the future, marked by several players making their debut at the competitive intercounty level.

Despite an early point courtesy of Leitrim’s Ailbhe Clancy, who exhibited excellence, the Kilkenny Ladies demonstrated commendable resilience in the opening period.

The team’s disciplined defensive efforts, highlighted some excellent turnovers by Kelly Comerford, generated promising attacks that, unfortunately, failed to materialise into points.

As the clock ticked past 15 minutes, the game remained finely poised with only a three point margin.

However, a seasoned Leitrim squad, led by former All-Star Michelle Guckian and the proficient Ailbhe Clancy, altered the course of the match.

Ailbhe Clancy’s well-taken goal at the 28-minute mark propelled Leitrim to a commanding 1-10 lead at half-time, compounded by the unfortunate loss of Kilkenny Captain Ellen Lawlor to injury.

Undeterred, the Kilkenny Ladies emerged with vigour in the second half.

A meticulously crafted play involving Caitlinn Moore and Ruby Roche culminated in centre back Ailish O’Neill securing Kilkenny’s first score.

Despite coming close on subsequent attempts, it was a well-executed free from Hollie Brennan that doubled their score.

While Kilkenny managed to limit Leitrim to two points in the opening 16 minutes of the second half, the intermediate team asserted dominance, adding a further 1-6 to their tally with both management teams taking the opportunity to empty the bench and give valuable inter county experience to the rest of their squads.

The final scoreline of 2-18 to 0-2 reflected the difference between the two sides on the day.

However, supporters found encouragement in the Kilkenny team’s commendable performance during the opening 15 minutes of both halves.

This outing marked a pivotal juncture in the developmental journey of the young Kilkenny team, gaining invaluable experience against a strong Leitrim outfit.

Kilkenny - Katie Fitzpatrick (John Lockes); Amy Ring (Muckalee), Ailbhe Galwey (Kilkenny City), Sarah Smith (Kilkenny City); Jennifer O’Keeffe (Kilkenny City), Ailish O’Neill (Railyard), Katie Brennan (Railyard); Kelley Comerford (Railyard), Becky Roche (Muckalee); Ellen Lawlor (Muckalee), Niamh Ward (Kilkenny City), Caitlinn Moore (John Lockes); Ruby Roche (Railyard), Hollie Brennan (Railyard), Kym Ryan (John Lockes).