Dubs welcome the Deise to the Capital
- Feb 19,2011
The much hyped Dublin GAA spring series commences tonight in Croke Park but before that blue extravaganza begins across town another group of Dub’s namely the Dublin ladies have some work to care of as they take on Waterford in the third round of the Bord Gáis Energy NFL.
Throw in time is 2pm with the match taking place in St Finians GAA located in Newcastle, Co Dublin.
Dublin have had a good start to the league win two wins from two with Dublin boss, Tommy Brown using his bench wisely and giving players an opportunity to impress.
However no trophies are won in February and Dublin will want to ensure another three league points as they strive to regain top flight league status.
Brown has have made a number of changes to the Dubs defence following the comprehensive win over Tipperary last Sunday, back in between the posts is two time All Star Cliodhna O’Connor with Emma Merrigan returning to the subs.
While a defensive reshuffle of sorts has occurred which sees a number of players switching positions, Joanne O’Sullivan moves from full back to centre back with Sorcha Furlong taking over the number 3 jersey. Siobhan McGrath is named as corner back with Sinead Goldrick lining out at left half back and current All Star Gemma Fay makes her first start of the league and is named at number 7.
The versatile Colleen Barrett will partner Denise Masterson in midfield while Foxrock Cabinteely’ s Amy Ring starts at left half forward in place of Noelle Healy. Fingallians Amy McGuinness starts once more at centre forward with Lyndsey Davey taking a seat on the bench.
So what can we expect from this fledgling Waterford side, who had a dreadful start to their league campaign with a hammering from Meath but who bounced back last weekend with a 4-16 to 0-09 win over a young Sligo outfit.
Eleven of the Waterford starting 15 which lost to Donegal in the 2010 Intermediate All Ireland final will line out tomorrow against the Dubs.
Captain Mary Foley will lead from the back and will be ably assisted by the likes of Elaine Power at midfield and the towering Michelle Ryan at centre forward.
Waterford native Michael Ryan is a selector with the Dubs and has his three daughters Michelle, Louise and Sinead all playing for Waterford but Michael avoids a conflict of interest tomorrow as he will be away on managerial duty with the hurlers of De La Salle.
Dublin v Waterford:
Cliodhna O’Connor, Siobhan McGrath, Sorcha Furlong, Ailish McKenna, Sinead Goldrick, Joanne O’Sullivan, Gemma Fay, Denise Masterson, Colleen Barrett, Mary Nevin, Amy McGuinness, Amy Ring, Orlagh Egan, Sinead Aherne, Elaine Kelly.
Waterford v Dublin:
Aimme Jordan, Karen McGrath, Grainne Enright, Dede Fahey, Louise Ryan, Anne Dunphy, Mary Foley, Michelle McGrath, Elaine Power, Mairéad Wall, Michelle Ryan, Aileen Wall, Trish Fitzgerald, Linda Wall, Nora Dunphy.
Siobhan McGrath is named at corner back v Waterford