The 2022 LGFA intercounty season reaches its climax this Sunday in the Mecca of Croke with an intriguing mix of backdrops from potential tales of redemption, to hopes of the rising Phoenix.
To say the LGFA has made dramatic strides under the stewardship of Helen O’Rourke would be an understatement. The association, structures and membership is unrecognisable from those initial days of formation in 1974. The vision, passion and commitment shown by those past and current leaders have blazed through the barriers created, the glass ceilings that were created and the general misogyny that was prevalent towards Ladies football at the time. Credit where credit is due and the continuing rise each year for attendance at LGFA games, highlights the quality of the product and spectacle on show. The days of ridicule and begrudgers has long gone, replaced with those keen to see their kith and kin enjoy a great sport.
Onwards to Sunday and we have 3 sumptuous matches to look forward to. First up Antrim vs Fermanagh in an Ulster grudge match where the breadth of a hair divides the two combatants. Both have scalped the other this season so this fittingly ends up in Croke Park and silverware to the winner. Antrim want to rectify last years result at the same stage and look well equipped to do it.
Antrim began like a steam train against Carlow in the Semi-Final, running into a nice lead they would not lose, on a roasting hot day in Dunleer. Aine Tubridy and Lara Dahunsi were immense at midfield providing powerful performances, strong running and selfless work all day. Anna McCann was rock solid in goals, superb kickouts and assured handling exuding an air of confidence any time the dangerous Carlow forwards of Clíodhna Ní Shé and the electric Sara Doyle attacked. The defence of McFarland, McIntosh, Mulholland, and young Sarah O’Neill were marshalled and co-ordinated superbly by the class and drive of Duana Coleman and Saoirse Tennyson.
Up front Taggart and Devlin glide into constant pockets of mischief, McLaughlin fires over scores like she wants to hurt the ball, and the general Cathy Carey directs all, endlessly probing and asking questions. The jewels up front are the intelligent power plays of Orlaith Prenter and Maria O’Neill who create an ever present danger, superb link play and ruthless finishing of the highest order.
The Division 4 winners Fermanagh had a veritable goal fest in Kiltoom with Eimear Smyth an unstoppable force bagging 3-7 on the day. To say no one could have lived with her on this performance is correct. She simply tore into the early lead a string Limerick side had created. Fermanagh bagged 7 goals in all and Laura Grew, Cliodhna McElroy and Sarah Britton ably assisted Smyth. They were creating numerous chances and kept the scoreboard active alongside keeping the Limerick defence on constant tenderhooks. Bláithin Bogue was superb, irresistible at times.
The issues facing the county internally at the end of last season appear to have created a greater resolve within the panel. Their demand for respect can only be applauded and echoed across the country and the self belief and confidence gained is evident in their showings to date. Antrim, for all their guile will have their work cut out to break down the defence of the rock solid McGloin, Kennan, McManus, McCarville, Bogue and McQuade. Bannon and O’Brien will not give an inch, and If they have no injury worries then the Ernesiders will fancy their chances, given these have been tight affairs to date. Fermanagh wont panic, even if they go behind early. Antrim resisted the Carlow comeback well and managed the game out superbly. The two best teams are left to the last game in the competitions. We couldn’t have asked for more.
Wexford still hurt from last final but they have used it to regroup, improve and solidify their righteous standing as one of the top 2 intermediate teams in the country. Wexford have it in them, they just need to find it. Undoubted talent throughout the team and squad, the heartache of last year can be used to get over the line against Laois. Both sides can score goals, that is obvious. Can they do it in Croke Park, in front of thousands in the biggest game of their lives? That’s the question. Roisin Murphy has superbly led this side, they go in as justifiable favourites. Can they do it this year? Yes is the amswer, most definitely. Mentally they look on a different plane but Laois wont be coming to make up the numbers.
Laois are in bonus territory. They obviously have the tools to dismantle Wexford and are fully deserving of the place in this final. They were taken to extra time by Clare but Mo Nenery and Erone Fitzpatrick are unrelenting and finally broke Clare hearts.
Kerry are the great battlers this year, beating a strong Armagh and overcoming the fabulous footballing team of Mayo. A great game of football but Kerry appear to have added a steel to themselves this year. They’re back, make no mistake. They get goals and even when on the back foot always keep the scoreboard ticking over.
What more can be said about this Meath team? Duggan and Wall leading from the front is a fearsome sight. Duggan has quite simply been superb and has enhanced her mental attributes this year. She has pulled this Meath team from the fire on countless occasions and when the pressure kicks are needs then she always delivers. Always. They are physical, intelligent, resilient and hungry. Kerry are battlers too and Meath wont take them lightly, but this Meath side want 2 in a row. Wall wants to sign off in style and the Croke Park expanse suits her game. Kerry will be prepared, Meath will be expectant.
Love it!
Photos courtesy of the LGFA, Oliver McVeigh and David Fitzgerald.
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