28 January 2018 Round-up and results from Round 1 of the 2018 Lidl National League Share this Article 0 0 0 Shares! 0 Shares! Lidl Ladies National Football League round-up Compiled by Jackie Cahill GOALS from Bríd and Áine O’Sullivan eased champions Cork to an opening day Lidl Ladies National Football League Division 1 victory over Munster rivals Kerry in Knocknagoshel. The Rebelettes, who are chasing a tenth top-flight crown in 11 seasons, also had a five-point haul from Orla Finn en route to a comfortable 2-17 to 0-9 victory on their travels. Cork led by 0-7 to 0-4 at half-time before the O’Sullivans raised second half green flags to seal a convincing win. Elsewhere in Division 1, there were victories for TG4 All-Ireland senior champions Dublin, last September’s Croke Park runners-up Mayo and Connacht title holders Galway. First-half goals by Niamh McEvoy and Rebecca McDonnell fired Dublin to victory over Donegal in Letterkenny. In a fierce O’Donnell Park gale, scoring was at a premium, but the Dubs earned a hard-fought 2-5 to 0-7 victory. There was a stroke of good fortune around Dublin’s opening goal with Donegal goalkeeper Laura Gallagher caught out by a dropping ball in from McEvoy that landed in the back of the net. Before Donegal had time to really shake their heads clear, Dublin were in for a second goal, as McDonnell slotted home following a scramble on the edge of the square. Dublin were 2-2 to 0-2 clear at half-time and Mick Bohan’s Sky Blues held firm for maximum points. In Swinford, the Kelly sisters, Grace and Niamh, collected 0-7 between them as Mayo ran out 0-11 to 0-7 winners over Westmeath. Peter Leahy took charge of Mayo in a competitive League fixture for the first time, and masterminded victory over his native county. Mayo began their campaign without Cora Staunton, who’s in Australia, and fellow long-serving stars Martha Carter and Yvonne Byrne, but promising young forward Sarah Cafferkey weighed in with a brace of points. Meanwhile, a dominant first half from Stephen Glennon’s Galway ensured victory over Monaghan on the 3G Astroturf pitch at the Connacht Centre of Excellence in Bekan, Mayo. Galway scored a 4-10 to 2-6 win and are rated by many as dark horses to make a serious impact in League and championship this year. Monaghan struck an early goal from a Louise Kerly penalty but Galway responded with 3-3 in the space of 14 minutes, including goals from Ailbhe Davoren, Tracey Leonard and Leanne Coen. Mairead Seoighe added a fourth Galway goal and while Shauna Coyle netted a fortuitous effort for Monaghan, the Tribeswomen were ten points clear at half-time and well on their way to victory. In Division 2, two Orla O’Dwyer goals helped visitors Tipperary claim a notable 2-12 to 2-10 victory over Armagh. Clare, Cavan and Tyrone also claimed opening day victories in the second tier while Division 3 saw Wexford, Meath and Roscommon emerge victorious in their fixtures. And in Division 4, there were wins for Antrim, Louth and Wicklow, as Carlow and Limerick shared the spoils. Results: Lidl National Football League Division 1 Donegal 0-7 Dublin 2-5 Galway 4-10 Monaghan 2-6 Kerry 0-9 Cork 2-17 Mayo 0-11 Westmeath 0-7 Lidl National Football League Division 2 Armagh 2-10 Tipperary 2-12 Clare 0-13 Sligo 2-6 Laois 0-8 Cavan 2-11 Tyrone 4-11 Waterford 2-11 Lidl National Football League Division 3 Longford 2-5 Wexford 3-10 Meath 4-13 Down 2-2 Roscommon 5-14 Offaly 0-8 Lidl National Football League Division 4 Carlow 1-4 Limerick 1-4 Fermanagh 2-9 Antrim 3-10 Kilkenny 1-1 Louth 7-24 Wicklow 2-20 Derry 0-5 Share this Article 0 0