Goals from Amy Hanley, Brónagh Nolan and Aibha Kiernan at the end of the first half catapulted Carlow 3-2 to 0-5 in front at half time and from there Ed Burke’s side never looked back.

Derry’s defence frustrated Carlow for much of the first half while Greg McArdle’s side were more efficient for much of the first period. Jemma Shivers opened Derry’s account while an Annie Ní Lochlainn free ensured Derry enjoyed the ideal start. They could have been further in front, but Nicole Hanley stood strong to thwart Ní Lochlainn in the 12th minute.

An Aoibhín Webb effort in the 14th minute got Carlow off the mark but Derry were still enjoying the momentum. Ed Burke’s side needed to be switched on as Ní Lochlainn’s quickly taken 20m free was blocked by the retreating Carlow defence. Ní Lochlainn added two further frees alongside a classy Jeanette Slevin effort to help Derry lead 0-5 to 0-2, Clíodhna Ní Shé registered Carlow’s second point.

But, Carlow made their move just before half time with three goals in two minutes. They got just that when Amy Hanley palmed to the net after 27 minutes. In the next passage of play, Carlow overturned the Derry restart before Brónagh Nolan rifled to the net. The Carlow crowd were delirious, and their joy continued in the next attack as Ní Shé played the ball across goal for Aibha Kiernan to finish to the net from close range, helping Carlow lead 3-2 to 0-5 at half time.

Carlow picked up where they left off as Sara Doyle produced a classy effort to raise Carlow’s third white flag of the contest. Derry still carried a threat as Orla McGeough’s improvised backheel was blocked by Hanley in the Carlow goal. But, Carlow continued to press home their advantage though Ní Shé (free) and Ruth Bermingham.

A Cara Donnelly score ended Carlow’s run of 3-3 without reply but a superb Aoibhín Webb point settled any Carlow nerves. Even the re-introduction of Jemma Shivers or Orla McGeough’s penalty could help Derry move within reach as Megan Townsend’s last gasp goal ensured Carlow will line out at Croke Park on August 2.

Carlow: A Hanley, Brónagh Nolan, A Kiernan, M Townsend 1-0 each, A Webb, C Ní Shé (1f) 0-2 each, R Bermingham, C O’Neill, S Doyle 0-1 each.

Derry: A Ní Lochlainn 0-4 (3f), O McGeough 1-0, penalty; C Donnelly, J Shivers, J Slevin 0-1 each.

CARLOW: N Hanley; A Carroll, A Roche, S O’Neill; R Bermingham, N Forde, A Webb; R Bailey, C O’Neill; A Hanley, C Ní Shé, E Hayden; Brónagh Nolan, A Kiernan, S Doyle. Subs: M Townsend for E Hayden (47), Béibhín Nolan for Brónagh Nolan (59).

DERRY: T Cassidy; L Brewster, S Hargan, J Corr; S Duggan, S Heron, A Donnelly; O McGeough, C Donnelly; B Donnelly, K Hargan, N Hannon; A Ní Lochlainn, J Shivers, J Slevin. Subs: B Brolly for J Shivers (ht), J Shivers for J Corr (53), N McGarry for A Ní Lochlainn (59), H Mullan for L Brewster (59), L Armstrong for N Hannon (59).

Referee: Gerard Canny (Mayo).