BORD GÁIS ENERGY LADIES NFL ROUND 2 PREVIEWS

Mayo v Kerry
Ballinrobe, 3.00pm, (D McEnery) SATURDAY

Mayo need a win to kick start their league challenge following an opening weekend loss. The squad has a lot of experience but hunger is an issue after a number of years without silverware. Kerry surprised everyone in reaching last year’s final but they illustrated their pedigree by defeating Armagh in Round 1. It may be too much to ask Kerry to claim back to back victories on the road.

Donegal v Armagh
Castlefin, 2.00pm (G. McCrystal)

Donegal had a traumatic start to the league enduring a torrid time at the hands of Laois. They were missing several players for that game and it is still uncertain whether they will be at full strength for the visit of Armagh. The Orchard ladies also lost on the opening weekend but they showed promise against Kerry and should have enough to pick up their first win of the campaign.

Tyrone v Laois
Pomeroy, 2.00pm, (S. O’Neill)

Both sides opened with impressive wins in Round 1. Tyrone beat Mayo while Laois notched up a cricket score against Donegal with Tracey Lawlor netting four times. Tyrone will present an altogether greater challenge for the Laois ladies and the result here will be a more accurate barometer of the progress being made by the O’Moore County. Tyrone should just edge a tight contest against a confident Laois outfit.

Division 1b:

Monaghan v Clare
Emyvale, 2.30pm (J. Murray) SATURDAY

Monaghan’s shock defeat to Dublin in Round 1 will have turned a few heads and Clare will think they have a chance after their fine win over Galway. Monaghan were the second best team in the country last year and they will not want to slip any further down the pecking order and will be targeting a speedy return to winning ways. Clare will go into this match high on confidence but may not have enough to withstand the inevitable backlash.

Galway v Cork
Cregg Corrandulla, 1.30pm, (D. Byrne)

Galway are the one team that have consistently pushed Cork to the limits over the last number of years. Unfortunately the wheels seem to have come off after an opening weekend loss to newly promoted Clare. There doesn’t look like there is much hope of an upset at Corrandulla despite home advantage. Cork economically dismissed a poor Kildare side and will probably only have to get to second gear to account for this Galway side.

Dublin v Kildare
Naomh Mearnóg, 2.00pm, (J. Flood)

Dublin got their league campaign off to a flyer with an impressive win over Monaghan. That 12 point victory has set a platform for the Jackies to mount a serious challenge for league honours this year. Kildare faced a tough start in the form of an away trip to Cork on the opening weekend but the Lilywhites offered very little against the champions and could find themselves facing a relegation battle if they do not turn things around quickly.