LAST year’s TG4 All-Ireland junior champions, Antrim, signalled their intentions in this year’s intermediate competition as they ran out 2-17 to 4-7 winners over Westmeath at St Loman’s yesterday.
Orlaith Prenter was in impressive form for Emma Kelly’s team as the star forward hit 1-7, while Maria O’Neill got Antrim’s second goal.
Westmeath were also in impressive form with Anna Jones netting twice, once at the end, while there were also goals for Aoife Connolly and Rachel Dillon.
Tyrone enjoyed an opening round win as they saw off Wicklow by 3-10 to 1-10. Wicklow got off to a perfect start with Sarah Jane Winders netting, but Tyrone had goalscorers of their own with Aoibhinn McHugh and Emma Hegarty netting in the first half before Caitlin Campbell got their third goal in the second half ensuring victory.
Fidelma Marrinan scored 0-6 as Clare opened their account with a win against Offaly at Bretland Park.
Laura Griffey got Clare’s only goal in the second half to extend the Banner’s lead, but Offaly’s Emma Hand fired to the net late on to set up a nervy finish but Clare held on and won 1-17 to 1-12.
There were goals aplenty in Avant Money Páirc Sean Mac Diarmada as Kildare overcame a resilient and plucky Leitrim.
Neasa Dooley hit a hat trick, while Grace Clifford and Gráinne Kenneally also found the net for Diane O’Hora’s side.
Leitrim were unrelenting though and goals from Laura O’Dowd, Síomha Quinn, Vivienne Egan and Leah Fox piled lots of pressure on the Kildare rearguard, but the Lilies did just enough to ensure victory.
Scores were at a premium in Dr. Hyde Park as Roscommon hosted Wexford.
The home side led by two at the break but Wexford pushed ahead in the second half with Aisling Murphy on target.
However, Aisling Shanagher found the net for Roscommon to draw the sides level and set up a nervous finish.
Last year’s intermediate finalists, though, were resolute and Chloe Fox and Aoife Cullen added a brace of points to seal the win.
