Laois 2-14 Mayo 1-16
Laois have won the Ladies All-Ireland football championship for the first time after a thrilling victory over reigning champions Mayo at Croke Park this afternoon.
Laois were quickly into their stride and led their opponents by five points at one stage during the first half. That lead, however, did not last too long as Mayo gradually clawed their way into the contest.
Laois’ goal midway through the half was cancelled out moments before the break when Mayo’s Clare Egan palmed the ball sweetly to the back of the Laois net. Mayo led 1-10 to 1-8 at the break.
Mayo started the second half cleverly and stretched their advantage through Christine Heffernan and Diana O Hóra. Soon after Laois were awarded a penalty for a foul on Mary Kirwan. Kirwan stepped up and duly slotted home to bring the sides level.
By this stage Laois had established a stranglehold on the game and pointed again through Kirwan and a brace from the enterprising Ailenn O’Loughlin.
Mayo corner forward Cora Staunton, scorer of ten points, gave her fans some hope late in the game with three successive points to draw the sides level with a minute to play.
But Laois stole the last laugh when Kirwan put away a late free to win the championship with the last kick of the game and deny Mayo their third successive title.
Earlier, Roscommon beat Kildare by 1-18 to 0-8 in the Junior final.