Niamh Holland scored a phenomenal goal to seal an emotional Lidl Ladies National Football League Division 4 title for Limerick, writes Stephen Barry.

“There’s only so much of being second best that you can take,” said captain Dymphna O’Brien after a win which was rounded off by Holland’s goal.

The game had been held up by the ref to allow Holland to return from the field after being sin binned and with her first touch she sent a rasping shot over the Antrim ‘keeper.

Niamh Richardson deserves huge credit for a surging run deep into opposition territory from her own 45, before delivering the pass to the St Brigid’s teenager.

Limerick have had a long streak of losing finals and Holland’s goal came after Antrim had scored 1-3 without reply, so there were overjoyed celebrations on the field at sealing the victory.

However the emotion of the win was best summed up in the post-match interview with O’Brien, who scored 2-5.

“I played in all five (losing finals) and it was just absolutely brilliant to be on the winning side today,” she said.

“There’s only so much of being second best that you can take. We’ve come back stronger and stronger every year and thankfully we’re on the winning side today.”