Meath players win Curran Cup title with Maynooth University

Ladies football

Maynooth University 3-12

ATU Donegal 1-8

Meath’s influence was evident throughout Maynooth University’s Curran Cup triumph in Convoy, with Donaghmore Ashbourne pair Clodagh Millington and Ciara Doherty playing central roles in a disciplined defensive display that laid the platform for an impressive second-half surge.

Their organisation and work-rate were key factors in containing ATU Donegal during a tight opening period before Maynooth pushed on to claim their first silverware of the season.

Trailing 0-5 to 0-4 at half-time, Maynooth had found scores hard to come by. Éabha Sherry opened the scoring and later set up Kate Slevin, while Aoife Murnane was denied a goal when her effort was turned over the bar. Defences dominated in a low-scoring first half, with Millington and Doherty among those helping to ensure Donegal never established more than a slender lead.

The second half told a different story. Aoife Kilkenny’s early point ignited Maynooth’s attack, followed by scores from Grace Shannon and Ellie Brady. Shannon added another before Murnane reacted quickest to a breaking ball and hammered home the opening goal.

Slevin struck the second major after rounding the goalkeeper, and Funmi Talabi delivered the third to put the game beyond reach.

It was a powerful statement win for Louise Keane’s side, who now turn their attention to the Giles Cup and an opening-round meeting with UU Magee.

Also part of the Maynooth squad are Orlaith Reilly from St Ultan's and county senior Kerrie Cole of Na Fianna.

Maynooth University ladies: Laura Kehoe (Clonee, Wexford), Dervla Cawley (Emyvale, Monaghan), Saoirse O’Gorman (Sallins, Kildare), Grace Kenny (Longford Slashers, Longford), Clodagh Millington (Donaghmore Ashbourne), Ciara Mulligan (Carrickedmond, Longford), Aoife Kilkenny (Carbury, Kildare), Amelia Furlong (Rapparees Starlights, Wexford), Niamh Hayes (Maynooth, Kildare), Kate Slevin (Claregalway, Galway), Grace Shannon (Longford Slashers, Longford), Ciara Doherty (Donaghmore Ashbourne), Aoife Murnane (Maynooth, Kildare), Éabha Sherry (Scotstown, Monaghan), Ellie Brady (Ballyhaise, Cavan)

Subs used: Laura Dunlea (Raheens, Kildare), Kamille Burke (Clonguish, Longford), Katelyn McKeon (Clonguish, Longford), Funmi Talabi (Mostrim, Longford), Eve Kelly (Clara, Offaly)