Teehan strike repels Westmeath as Offaly advance

Offaly 2-14 Westmeath 2-6

A better-balanced Offaly side proved superior to Westmeath in gloriously sunny weather at Glenisk O’Connor Park, Tullamore on Saturday, in the All-Ireland Intermediate Camogie Championship.

The outcome leaves Westmeath facing a relegation play-off in two weeks’ time against Kildare, a game they must win to avoid the drop to the junior grade.

Westmeath went into the game knowing they needed to win, while a result of any kind was sufficient for Offaly. Offaly, having won Division 3A of the league, were slight favourites and they held a five-point lead at half-time, 2-8 to 2-3.

Scores from play were very much at a premium for Westmeath in the first half, with Julie McLoughlin’s goal standing alone – the remainder came via Caoimhe McCrossan from placed balls. That goal briefly brought Westmeath back on level terms, but the home side responded impressively to take a strong grip on the contest, one they never relinquished despite a determined effort from the Lake County ladies.

Every time Westmeath threatened a comeback, Offaly found a response and that was the general trend: the gap was still six points with 15 minutes remaining, and the home side always looked like a cohesive unit at the back.

Offaly got the ideal start when wing forward Mairead Teehan sent the ball inside and Kate Pilkington kept it in play close to the endline before fellow corner forward Faye Mulrooney finished it to the net from close range. Midfielder Clodagh Leahy converted a 60-metre free to add to their lead.

Westmeath got off the mark after four minutes when a free was awarded for a throw-ball by Offaly full-back Amy Byrne, and Caoimhe McCrossan converted for the visiting side. However, Offaly then shot the next three points from Mulrooney and Pilkington (two, one free) to take a useful lead, 1-4 to 0-1.

Westmeath’s industry was rewarded in the 16th minute when they put the Offaly ‘keeper under strong pressure and, in the ensuing scramble, Meadbh McLoughlin was fouled by Kaitlyn Kennedy, resulting in a penalty. Caoimhe McCrossan sent the ball low to the ‘keeper’s right side and brought Westmeath to within three points.

After Leahy and McCrossan traded frees, Meadbh McLoughlin made a great break from midfield to set up Julie McLoughlin for a well-taken goal (23rd minute).

That only served to ignite Offaly, who hit back instantly when Mairead Teehan powered home a great goal following the puck-out, and they added to their tally when Pilkington shot over.

The home side pushed five clear again when Ciara Maher added a point; despite some fine defensive work by Roisín Scally, Maher set up Pilkington for another Offaly minor in the final minute. Westmeath had a late free, a difficult one for Caoimhe McCrossan, who showed good composure to strike over from 60 metres with the angle.

Offaly extended their lead when Clodagh Leahy converted a free four minutes after the restart; they ought to have had a third goal when Mairead Teehan skipped clear of the Westmeath cover, but Fiona Keating produced a great save and Clodagh Leahy sent the ball wide in the follow-up.

When Teehan attempted to make another burst, she was fouled by Katie Coleman, resulting in a booking for the Westmeath wing-back; the resulting free was pointed by Leahy and the lead was six points again – 2-10 to 2-4 – entering the final quarter.

Westmeath replied with a free from McCrossan when Meadbh McLoughlin was fouled; Leahy responded in kind for the hosts, though. The Offaly midfielder followed up with two further frees, extending their lead to nine points with a couple of minutes remaining.

Two minutes into added time, Julie McLoughlin sent Olivia Kelleghan clear and, after cutting inside the opposing cover, her shot was saved by the Offaly ‘keeper, resulting in a ‘65’ which McCrossan converted.

Ultimately, Offaly were clear-cut winners, having always looked capable of fending off Westmeath’s best efforts, and the Faithful County progressed to the knock-out stages. Westmeath must regroup for a crucial game against Kildare which will determine their status for 2026.

Scorers – Offaly: C Leahy 0-7 (7f), F Mulrooney 1-1, K Pilkington 0-4 (1f), M Teehan 1-0, C Maher 0-2. Westmeath: C McCrossan 1-6 (1-0 pen; 0-5f; 1 ‘65’), J McLoughlin 1-0.

Offaly: Emer Reynolds; Megan King, Amy Byrne, Kaitlyn Kennedy; Hannah Feenane, Orlagh Phelan, Roisín Kinsella; Clodagh Leahy, Sharon Shanahan; Mairead Teehan, Christine Cleary, Fianait Dooley; Faye Mulrooney, Ciara Maher, Kate Pilkington. Subs: Karla Mannion for Feenane and Orla Kilmartin for Dooley (41), Aoife Hoctor for Kennedy (48), Niamh Sheehy for Mulrooney (53), Grainne Kennedy for Pilkington (56).

Westmeath: Fiona Keating; Emily McCabe, Dearbhail McLoughlin, Claire Gaffney; Katie Coleman, Roisín Scally, Laura Doherty; Caoimhe McCrossan, Aoife O’Malley; Karen Keegan, Áine Newman, Hannah Core; Meadbh McLoughlin, Julie McLoughlin, Olivia Kelleghan. Subs: Reanna Kennedy for Newman (34), Ciara Corcoran for Keegan (45), Katie Penrose for Gaffney (54).

Referee: Michael Ryan (Tipperary).