Preview: Dublin v Cork

  • May 09,2014

Preview: TESCO Homegrown Ladies National Football League Division 1 Final

Dublin V Cork

Saturday May 10, 3.45pm, Parnell Park (Referee: John Niland)

Dublin enter uncharted territory on Saturday, despite the familiar surrounds of Parnell Park, as they contest their first ever Division 1 final. Gregory McGonigle’s side have improved dramatically since the former Monaghan manager took the reins in the capital as they enjoyed an unbeaten campaign, including an impressive defeat of Monaghan in the Semi Final.

Much of their success has been based on a rock solid defence lead by 2 time All Star Sinead Goldrick from wing back with Carla Rowe converted from a forward on the other flank to great effect. Noelle Healy is a constant threat to opposition defences with her trademark driving runs whilst it is their inside line that have been especially effective with Sinead Aherne producing her best form whilst Lyndsey Davey and Lindsay Peat have both been razor sharp especially when goal chances have presented themselves.

Cork have been uncharacteristically erratic this season as they lost 2 matches and drew with Dublin in their league campaign and only secured their play-off berth with victory in the final round. However, with the final in sight Eamonn Ryan’s team produced their most impressive display to date when defeating form side, Kerry.

Much has been made of the loss of Elaine Harte and Juliet Murphy but this is a team that is made up of some of the best players ever to play the game. Angela Walsh and Bríd Stack will anchor the team from the full back line with current player of the year, Geraldine O’Flynn, in her familiar number 7 jersey. Rena Buckley and Briege Corkery are a formidable midfield duo with Annie Walsh also capable of operating around the middle.

Youth has been given it’s chance in the inside forwards with Doireann O’Sullivan and Orla Finn playing alongside Emma Farmer who will be hoping to replicate her O’Connor Cup form. Ominously there are some big names also present on the bench with Valerie Mulcahy and Deirdre O’Reilly being held in reserve along with the returning Norita Kelly.

These two teams have crossed paths a on a number of occasions over the last couple of seasons.  Most memorable among these was their All Ireland quarter final meeting in 2013.  On that day Dublin led by 9 points at the break and looked to be heading into the last four.  However the Rebelettes made a storming second half comeback to break the Jackies’ hearts.  They went on to contest and win the final securing the Brendan Martin Cup for the eighth time in nine seasons.

Teams

 

Dublin: 1. Ciara Trant (St Brigid’s); 2.Siobhán McGrath (Thomas Davis) 3. Sorcha Furlong (St. Brigid’s) 4.Rachel Ruddy (Ballyboden St. Enda’s); 5.Sinéad Goldrick (C) (Foxrock Cabinteely) 6.Sinéad Finnegan (Fingallians) 7.Carla Rowe (Clann Mhuire); 8.Denise Masterson (Naomh Mearnóg) 9.Sarah McCaffrey (Clontarf); 10.Siobhán Woods (Raheny) 11.Niamh McEvoy (St Sylvester’s) 12.Noelle Healy (St Brigid’s); 13.Lyndsey Davey (Skerries Harps) 14. Sinéad Aherne (St. Sylvester’s) 15.Lindsay Peat (Parnell’s)

Team Management: Gregory McGonigle (Team Manager), Davy Burke, Liam Swift, Kathleen Colreavy, Raymond Boyne(Stats).

 

Cork: 1. Martina O’Brien (Clonakilty); 2. Róisín Phelan (Aghada) 3. Angela Walsh (Inch Rovers) 4. Bríd Stack (Liscarroll); 5. Vera Foley (St. Val’s) 6. Anne Marie Walsh (Inch Rovers) 7. Geraldine O’Flynn (Lisacarroll); 8.Rena Buckley (Donoughmore) 9. Breige Corkery (C) (St. Val’s); 10. Annie Walsh (Inch Rovers) 11. Ciara O’Sullivan (Mourneabbey) 12.Orlagh Farmer (Midelton); 13. Emma Farmer (Aghada) 14. Doireann O’Sullivan (Mourneabbey) 15. Orla Finn (Kinsale)

Team Management: Eamonn Ryan (Manager), Shane Ronayne, Frankie Honohan, Pat O’Leary, Bridget O’Brien.