Bord Gáis Energy NFL Finals-Leinster Preview

By Michael Forde Leinster PRO

After one hundred and twenty hours of competitive football in the Bord Gáis Energy Ladies National Football League, six Counties remain in contention, with four of the six representing Leinster.

In the division one semi finals Cork over came Donegal with twenty four points to spare, throwing down the gauntlet to all comers in all competitions. In the second, division one semi final Laois took on Monaghan in Ballymahon County Longford, the O’Moore ladies booked their place in this years division one final, with 2-11 to 1-10 win over the farney’s. Laois will renew acquaintance’s with Cork on the 7th of May next in Parnell park Dublin.

In their most recent clash Cork travelled to O’Moore Park on the 13th of March last to contest round five of the NFL, Laois gave a great account of themselves and were unlucky not too claim all three points on the day, but it was the Rebelettes with four points to spare who were the happier leaving O’Moore Park.

After their loss to the Dubs in last years championship final, Cork seem to be on a mission, with one eye on the league title and the other on the Brendan Martin trophy in Dublin’s trophy room. However Cork have to over come Laois on Saturday next, before they turn their attention to the Championship title race. The division one final throws in at 17.15.

Nine points was the difference when Dublin and Cavan went head to head in the first Bord Gáis Energy Ladies National Football League division two semi-final, Dublin advance to meet Meath, the Royals played out an exciting semi final game against the Kingdom in Cahir Co. Tipperary, and with three points to spare at full time, it sets up a mouth watering final against Dublin.

Dublin and Meath last met on the 13th of March in Naomh Mearnog-Portmarnock in round five of this years league, Dublin running out eventual winners with ten points to spare 2-15 1-8. The tale of the tape shows that Meath were fourteen points in arrears at the break 2-10 to 0-02, but the Royals pushed on in the second half out scoring the Dublin side by 1-06 to 0-05.

Dublin will have duly noted that they can not allow that to happen in the final, while Meath are also aware that the game against their neighbours was not one of their best performances in the league. On May the 7th both sides start with a clean sheet, Dublin may also have a slight advantage playing with in the pale, but I’m sure that the Royals will be fully prepared for what should be a close and exciting encounter, befitting both Counties. The division two final throws in at 15.30.

In division three Wicklow lost out to Clare in their semi final clash, leaving Clare and Fermanagh, who beat Down by the narrowest of margins to contest the division three final.

All three final are down for decision in Parnell Park Dublin on the 7th of May with the division three final between Clare and Fermanagh kicking off proceedings at 13.45. The very best of luck to all those involved on Saturday next.