Cork and Dublin Announce Starting Line Ups

The much anticipated meeting of Dublin and Cork will likely be the highlight of the TESCO Homegrown National Football League Finals day in Parnell Park. The meeting of the defending champions and the first time finalists is one of the most anticipated matches of recent times.

One of the biggest talking points for the Rebellettes is the selection of Valerie Mulcahy on the substitutes bench. She will be in good company with Deirdre O’Reilly and the returning Norita Kelly providing plenty of experience from the bench should they be called upon.

Martina O’Brien takes over from the retired Elaine Harte but she won’t lack in experience having played in last year’s decider. Angela Walsh and Bríd Stack will aim to keep the much vaunted Dublin full forward line at bay whilst last year’s captain, Ann Marie Walsh will anchor the defence alongside Player’s Player of the Year Geraldine O’Flynn. Rena Buckley and captain Briege Corkery will both play in the slightly unfamiliar position of midfield. The Cork forward line has an unfamiliar look about it with plenty of youth on show but look out for Emma Farmer who comes in at corner forward having starred for CIT in the O’Connor Cup she is capable of being a match winner.

Gregory McGonigle’s side already has a very settled look about it showing only one change from their semi-final victory over Monaghan. Ciara Trant comes in at goalkeeper to replace Hannah Tyrell. There is plenty of experience all over the Dublin side but after fantastic performances in the semi final the key to victory could be held by their half back line of Sinead Goldrick, Sinead Finnegan and Carla Rowe. Up front all eyes will be on the deadly trio in the full forward line of Sinead Aherne and goal machines Lindsay Peat and Lyndsey Davey. Noelle Healy is a potential match winner for Dublin especially with her useful habit of scoring goals from half forward.