Fixture clash avoided as Leitrim Ladies match with Carlow moved to earlier start time (Updated)

Fears of a potential fixture clash for Leitrim's Senior Mens and Ladies teams next Sunday in Carlow have been alleviated by the news that the Ladies Gaelic Football Association have fixed the Lidl Division 4 clash between the counties for the earlier starting time of 12 noon in the Leinster county.

Both games had originally been fixed for the exact same time of 2pm in venues in Carlow town some 4.4km apart but according to the LGFA website, the Ladies game will now have the earlier throw-in time of 12.30 which should allow fans the chance to take in both games, although the close proximity of the starting times will mean fans may miss some of the action in Newtwatch Cullen Park.

According to Google Maps, the travel time between the two venues is approximately nine minutes depending on traffic conditions.

The last double header featuring the mens and ladies teams was a double header in Echelon Park in Aughrim last year when the Ladies game was on after the men's encounter with Wicklow. Infamously, a large number of Leitrim fans chose to leave after the men's loss to Wicklow with a small cohort of diehard fans staying on for both games.

The same issue could arise the following weekend when both Leitrim teams take on Longford away from home, the men's game fixed for 2 pm in Glennon Brothers Pearse Park.

MORAN & O'ROURKE THANKFUL FOR LUCK TURNING LEITRIM'S WAY AGAINST WEXFORD

Leitrim GAA Supporters Club will charter a bus to the Allianz League Division 4 League Round 4 encounter with Carlow in Netwatch Cullen Park, Carlow on Sunday next, February 25, if there are sufficient numbers interested. Anybody who wishes to book a seat on the bus is advised to contact Jerome McWeeney ASAP at 0876370051. Bookings need to be confirmed by next Thursday evening latest.

Jonny Garrity's side overcame a tough test from Limerick on a 2-11 to 1-7 scoreline to get back to winning ways on Sunday in Ballinamore, a match that clashed directly with the men's game in Avant Money Pairc Sean Mac Diarmada. A first half goal from Laura O'Dowd ensured a 1-5 to 0-3 halftime lead.

Limerick launched a big comeback to close the gap back to a point in the second half but the introduction of Leah Fox and Michelle Guckian off the bench ensured a win for the home team, Fox grabbing a second goal for Leitrim moments after Limerick had found the net.

The result leaves Leitrim in second place behind Fermanagh who blitzed a helpless Kilkenny on a 10-12 to 0-5 scoreline while Carlow moved into a clear third place, one point behind Leitrim, after a 3-9 to 0-11 victory on the road against Wicklow. Three first half goals did the damage for Carlow and although Wicklow improved in the second half, Carlow held on for the win.

WEXFORD MANAGER SAYS LEITRIM PENALTY DECISION WAS "VERY HARD TO TAKE"

That result means that a win for Leitrim next Sunday would confirm second place in the division and a place in the semi-finals. Longford, who beat Derry 2-17 to 3-5 on the road, are locked on eight points with Limerick in seeking the final spot in the semi-finals.