U20 Panel for the 2026 Season
March 12, 2026
GALWAY 3-13
DUBLIN 1-13
Daniel Moynihan’s side officially booked their place in the Lidl National Ladies Football League Division 1 final following a highly competitive encounter against a strong Dublin outfit. The victory guarantees a spot in the league decider against Cork next month.
Galway began the game with excellent intent and focus, moving the ball efficiently in the opening exchanges. The team’s bright start was rewarded just three minutes in when a brilliant driving run from Nicola Ward opened up space to find Kate Slevin, who finished cleanly to the net.
Dublin responded well, demonstrating the quality expected of the All-Ireland champions. Kate Sullivan was accurate in the full-forward line, and early points from Niamh Hetherton and Orlagh Nolan kept the visitors firmly in the contest.
However, Galway remained composed and took their scoring opportunities exceptionally well. At the end of the first quarter, excellent team build-up play allowed Kate Thompson to find the back of the net, extending the lead. The team continued to apply pressure, and in the 26th minute, Leanne Coen showed great anticipation to score Galway’s third goal following a well-placed free from Kate Slevin.
With Olivia Divilly directing play effectively and adding a point before the break, Galway took a well-earned 3-5 to 0-6 lead into the dressing room.
The second half required a disciplined defensive effort as Dublin mounted a spirited comeback. Galway started the half positively, with Niamh and Siobhan Divilly working tirelessly in midfield. Niamh Divilly carried the ball well to set up an early score, followed quickly by another point from Olivia Divilly to stretch the advantage.
Facing a significant deficit, Dublin fought back admirably. They registered a series of well-taken points through Carla Rowe, Kate Sullivan, and substitute Orla Keighran to reduce the gap. The visitors’ persistence paid off in the 53rd minute when captain Carla Rowe reacted quickest to a rebound off the post to score Dublin’s only goal of the game, leaving the score delicately poised at 3-12 to 1-13.
In the closing stages, Galway showed fantastic maturity and game management to withstand the pressure. The defense worked incredibly hard to deny Dublin any further goal-scoring opportunities, and substitute Aoife O’Rourke calmly slotted a late point to secure the six-point victory.
This result is a fantastic achievement for the players and management, securing a Division 1 final appearance against Cork on April 11. Before that, the squad will travel to face Waterford next Sunday for our final group game, where they will look to maintain their positive momentum.
We would also like to wish Dublin the very best of luck in their final league fixture against Cork next weekend.
Galway: L O’Halloran; R Quinn, S Ní Loingsigh, B Quinn; H Noone, N Ward (0-01), E Power; N Divilly (0-02), S Divilly; O Divilly (0-05), K Slevin, (1-02) L Noone; K Thompson (1-01), L Coen (1-01), A Trill.
Subs: A O’Rourke (0-01) for K Thompson (35), K Geraghty for S Ní Loingsigh (36), A Molloy for E Power (43), A Madden for L Noone (48) K Mee for R Quinn (55), H Mangan for A Trill (58)
Dublin: A Shiels; H Leahy, C Almeida, A Timothy; S McIntyre, N Crowley, N Donlon; H McGinnis, N Hetherton (0-02); C O’Connor, E Gribbin (0-02), O Nolan (0-02); L Grendon, C Rowe (1-01), K Sullivan (0-05).
Subs: O Keighran (0-01) for L Grendon (ht), A Nyhan for C Almeida (38), C Coffey for N Hetherton (40), N Hetherton for A Timothy (42), K Donaghy for C O’Connor (44), R McDonnell for H McGinnis (48), M Davoren for K Sullivan (48), J Egan for S McIntyre (54).
Referee: Gus Chapman (Sligo).
