Laois 1s team travelled to host club Three Rock Rovers on Saturday 5th of April 2025 to compete in the final of the Leinster Women's Division 5/6 shield against Dublin side Genesis 3s team. The Laois side hit the ground running with some excellent defending from the experienced back line of Liz, Claire, Susan and Karen which in the first quarter kept both sides scoreless.

The second quarter the Laois ladies from the whistle began their advances with a drive up the left hand side pitch by Rachel which led to a beautiful pass to Emma who successfully found the backboard. This goal set the intention of the Laois side who were determined to extend the lead by another goal soon after by Rachel. The Laois side held possession for the final minutes of the second quarter with Laois forwards Gloria and Emma making several shots on goal. There was great tension felt by both the players on the pitch and the travelling Laois supporters as Genesis fought back hard as they narrowed the lead with a goal at the start of the third quarter. The tempo of the match increased from that moment and there was plenty of great passing and defending from both sides during this time.

The nerves of the players and supporters was tested further with a short corner awarded to the Genesis side near the end of the third quarter. The Laois goalie Marina made a great clearance after the Laois defenders put pressure on the Genesis forward line with their speed and determination to get off the goal line. The Laois side was lucky to have not just one option for goalie on the day but two with Captain Aisling taking turns throughout the game.

The final quarter of the game was a very nail biting experience for all as both teams gave it their all on the pitch. The addition of fresh legs for the Laois side made a difference with Yvonne coming into the forwards and Eimear stepping in for Susan in the backs. Midfield players Eleanor and Ania were also kept busy in the final minutes of the game with great passes into the circle which placed a lot of pressure on the Genesis side's defence. The work rate of the Laois side paid off as Yvonne capitalised on a break in defence which led to the third goal of the game for the Laois side. This attacking pressure led to the administration of a green card by the umpire for the Genesis side. Genesis made the decision to send off their Goalkeeper instead of another outfield player. This situation provided a great opportunity for the Laois side to extend their lead further with another goal reflected in by Ania.

The game overall both sides were evenly matched throughout but the Laois side teamwork and work rate gave them the edge over the Genesis side. The Laois side were delighted to end the season off with some silverware. A special thank you to all the players who contributed to both Senior teams throughout the 2024/25 season.

Laois 1s team: Aisling Byrne (Captain), Karen Fingleton (Vice Captain), Marina Packer, Liz Poustie, Susan Fingleton, Claire Igoe, Ruth Wilkinson, Eleanor Bagnall, Emma Brophy, Abigail Clarke, Gloria Lewis, Yvonne Hargroves, Rachel Igoe, Esmee Van Den Bergh, Ania and Eimear O’ Sullivan.