Suzuki National Ladies Football league.

Suzuki National Ladies Football league.

Some interesting games on Sunday
. There are a number of games down for decision in the Suzuki
National league at the weekend In Div 1&2 A and I Div 1&2
B. The outcome of most of the contests looks predicable
going on form to date. The most intriguing clash looks likely
to be between Cork and Mayo both have been beaten by high
flying Kerry. Cork bounced back last Sunday and were quite
impressive in their first ever win over Monaghan at Senior
level.

The acid test will come on Sunday against
All-Ireland Champions Mayo who will be smarting after the
Kerry defeat.
Cork under the guidance of former Cork Footballer and Senior
Coach Eamonn Ryan and Rockchapel’s Mary Collins as manager,
have been showing a huge commitment to training and no doubt
this will pay off , whether they will have enough done to
see them secure a first Senior win over Mayo remains to
be seen. Such has been the commitment shown by Cork, more
than 40, players trained under lights on Wednesday night
between 8.30 and 10pm.
One particular girl left home in Castletownbere at 5.15pm
and did not get back until 12.15 am. Cork are hungry for
success, but patience must prevail. Monaghan short a good
few of their regulars went under tamely to Cork on Sunday
last, they are in a stage of transition and again with a
new manager they will have to be patient.

Galway one other hand are ready for the big
stage, as they proved during the summer when taking Mayo
to extra time in the All-Ireland Semi-Final, they have an
abundance of talent and will be hoping to get a major trophy
in the cupboard this year.
The league would do nicely for starters. At home in Tuam
they should be too strong for Monaghan on Sunday. Kerry
travel to Longford mindful of the close call Longford gave
them last year but on the form displayed to date, comprehensive
wins over Cork and Mayo nothing short of a win will do them.
Longford at home should show better from than they did last
weekend.

In Division 1B Meath who had a big win over
Roscommon last week will be hot favourites at home against
Laois, the holders of the trophy. Laois lost heavily to
Dublin last week and smarting from that defeat they will
put it up to the Royals, but home advantage should see the
Meath Girls win. The remaining game at the toip level, sees
Waterford playing to Roscommon, their game was cancelled
last weekend because of the unexpected death of Aine Wall’s
dad, after a short illness.
There is an opinion abroad that Waterford after their Munster
final defeat by Kerry had seen the best of their years.
One must not forget that they won the All-Ireland Minor
crown 2 years ago and certainly with Michael Ryan at the
helm they will remain a force in ladies Football.
Their encounter with Roscommon at Timahoe on Sunday should
not unduly trouble them. The high flying Dubs under John
OLeary have quickly put the little internal strife behind
them. After 2 home wins they will travel to Tyrone on Sunday
with confidence sky high. Tyrone are progressing steadily
and with home support they will be a threat but anything
other than a Dublin win would be major surprise.

Div 2. Highlight of Division 2 will be the
meeting of All-Ireland Junior Finalists Kildare and Donegal.
Kildare still smarting from the final defeat, are determined
to go all the way this year. Sunday will tell a lot and
with revenge on their minds they could reverse the All-Ireland
result. Another close will be between Clare and Cavan.
Clare Munster Senior Champions 3 years ago have slipped
alarmingly, Cavan with very good under age teams, should
be reaping the reward pretty soon and should have enough
strength to take the points. Louth who scored a good win
over Cork’s second string last week should be too good for
Tipperary.
Like wise Leitrim and Sligo should prevail over Cork and
Galway’s 2nd strings.

Fr. Liam Kelleher PRO 087-8516984