Meath Ladies Coca-Cola Dream Team – Number Seven

We are almost there. Our round robins are done and the anticipation for the remainder of our Championship finals is certainly growing. With some teams now bowing out of this year’s Championship and others looking forward to finals on the weekend of the 18^th September, there is still lots of football action in store! Not to mention two exciting play off matches in the Intermediate Championship!

Based on match reports and details submitted up to Sunday morning, the following is this week’s ‘Dream Team’. Please note there will be a special Dream Team for our Championship Finals!

 

1 – Karen Cadden – Oldcastle; If you are playing out the field for Oldcastle, there must be great comfort in knowing you have a reliable pair of hands between the posts. Cadden was rock solid in goals, limiting Boardsmill to a single goal over the hour including saving a penalty. Will relish the opportunity of facing them again in the semi-finals.

 

2 – Megan Lyons – Summerhill; Keeping control of the back line from her corner back position and ensuring Moynalvey scoreless for twenty minutes in the second half was extremely impressive for the All Ireland winning Meath Minor. Will certainly look forward to the play-offs where the ‘Hill face the winners of Donaghmore-Ashbourne and Ratoath.

 

3 – Orlaith Duff – Dee Rangers; Taking on last year’s Senior Champions was always going to be daunting, however last year’s Intermediate Champions did not let it phase them and with just four points separating the teams at the final whistle, the Rangers can credit Orlaith Duff alongside Tess Meade and Anna Myles with a tremendous defensive display. Orlaith utilised all her experience and strength that undoubtedly inspired those around her.

 

4 – Eimear Finnerty – Skryne; A tenacious display by the Skryne captain. Nothing got by her as Skryne booked their place in the Junior B Final. Strong in the tackle and leading from the off, Eimear was a pillar in defence.

 

5 – Emer McEntee – Ratoath; Despite a shaky opening period, the All Ireland winning Meath Minor rocked into their game against St. Michaels and ‘thundered’ into the second period. Will have gained confidence despite defeat against the Michaels and will look forward to the challenge of Donaghmore-Ashbourne in the first of the play-offs.

 

6 – Mary Coyne – St. Ultans; Played in the half back line but was utilised as a sweeper. Coyne was magnificent against a strong Dee Rangers outfit as she swept up a lot of ball and instigated attacks to the Ranger’s defence. Hard-working throughout, her experience will be vital as the Ultans now have their biggest task of the year, a semi-final against old foes Seneschalstown.

 

7 – Ciara Jackson – Summerhill; Her sheer passion for the game showed as she was determined to keep Blackhall Gaels from scoring from her position at number 7. She blocked two balls from coming into the full forward lines which could have proven costly as the Hill went on to record victory.

 

8 – Megan O’Brien – St. Michaels; The second Dream Team appearance from the Michaels footballer. Got the opening score of each half against Ratoath and finished with three points. Instigated attack after attack as the Michaels booked their place in the semi-finals.

 

9 – Ailbhe McHugh – Simonstown; The Meath Senior County footballer enjoyed one of her best performances in a Simonstown jersey as she ran herself to the ground against Na Fianna. A committed and determined display, she linked defence with attack and contributed four super points to the final tally as the North Side Blues finished their Senior Championship with flair.

 

10 – Jane Dolan – Blackhall Gaels; Might not have scored herself, however threatened every time she came in contact with the ball and was a real danger for the Gaels as they took on Summerhill. Created scoring chances for her team mates as her lightning pace ran at the Hill’s defence.

 

11 – Alicia Curtis – St. Michaels; Back to her best. Threatening and strong in the tackle. Alicia’s accuracy bagged her three goals against Ratoath and her strength and determination will be key if the Michaels are to overcome Dunboyne in the semi-final.

 

12 – Julie Donnellan – Walterstown; Quick as lightening and determined to succeed the Walterstown Captain hit 2-03 as her side overcame a talented Trim side to book their place in the Junior B Final against neighbours Skryne. Incredibly, Walterstown have scored 138 points to reach this year’s decider and Donnellan has converted 43 of these!

 

13 – Colleen Jordan – Skryne; A second Dream Team appearance for the Skryne attacker. A total tally of 2-08 pushed her side on to victory. Facing into a final against neighbours Walterstown, Jordan will need to be on top form, but this shouldn’t bother the sharp shooter.

 

14 – Tara Berrigan – Simonstown; The ideal full forward who hit four goals on the way to her side’s victory against Seneschalstown in the Junior C semi-final. Tormented the Seneschalstown defence at every opportunity and will be key for her side as they now face Oldcastle in the final.

 

15 – Sarah O’Reilly – Oldcastle; Enjoying another successful season in an Oldcastle jersey. Took on Boardsmill last week and hit 0-06 from play while also working well alongside her team-mates as last year’s Senior finalists accounted for Boardsmill. With the same opposition now in the semi-final, O’Reilly, along with the other Oldcastle forwards, will be key to securing a second successive final berth.