Mayo book All-Ireland final spot with revenge win over Louth

Mayo secured their place in the Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Junior Camogie Championship final with a deserved 0-16 to 1-5 win over Louth, gaining sweet revenge over the side that defeated them in the opening round of the championship.

Having suffered a loss to the Wee County earlier in the competition, Mayo entered the semi-final determined to set the record straight.

With several players back from injury, Mayo produced one of their most disciplined performances of the season to book their place in the July 11 decider.

Mayo settled into the contest quickly and dominated the opening 20 minutes, racing into a six-point lead. Niamh Kennedy knocked over two excellant points from distance before Caoimhe Delaney made a bursting run from half-back to tip over a third. Westport trio Méabh Tunney, Lisa Scahill and Ava Lambert landed one each to make it 0-6 to 0-0.

Louth responded before the break as Aoife McCabe hit the back of the net to breathe life into the contest. Aoife Gregory added two points for the Leinster girls but Mayo remained composed, with Cathy Greally and Lisa Scahill adding two more at the other end, and Mayo took a 0-8 to 1-2 lead into half-time.

Mayo continued to play with confidence in the second half. The introduction of Niamh Greally and Laoise Greally injected fresh energy while the defence remained strong, limiting Louth's scoring chances.

Ava Dooley got two points on the bounce and sub Laoise Greally, who posed a constant threat, added two more and also forced a top drawer save from the Louth 'keeper with a powerful effort.

The points flowed for Mayo and fresh legs were introduced as Hannah Tener, Ciara Kennedy and Aoife Quinn all got game time.

Louth managed just three points in the second half and the final whistle signalled an impressive win for Mayo on a 0-16 to 1-5 scoreline, the Green and Red avenging their earlier defeat to the same opposition and earning a well-deserved place in the Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Junior Camogie Championship final.

It was a result built on teamwork, resilience and intensity, exemplified by player of the match Ava Lambert.

Mayo now face Monaghan on Saturday, July 11, in a repeat of the league final earlier in the season.

The Mayo team lined out as follows: Grainne Robinson; Kate Scahill, Megan Deely, Grainne Delaney; Caoimhe Delaney (0-1), Ava Lambert (0-2), Éabha Delaney; Niamh Kennedy (0-2), Cathy Greally (0-1); Méabh Tunney (0-2), Lisa Scahill (0-3f), Ava Dooley (0-2); Ella Deely, Brona Joyce, Roisin Cassidy.

The subs used were: Laoise Greally (0-2), Niamh Greally, Hannah Tener (0-1), Ciara Kennedy, Aoife Quinn.

Subs not used: Treasa Conway, Amy Murray, Sharron Lynskey, Kate Tener, Kaitlyn McNally, Doireann Guilfoyle, Shauna Peoples, Clodagh Quinn, Megan O'Malley, Aisling Dooley, Alannah Donaghy, Róisín Toland.