As the afternoon came to a close in a buzzing Croke Park, a rapturously positive feeling radiated from the congregation. This was 'nearly' the end of a truly wonderful year of Ladies football, superbly organised by the LGFA and skills demonstrated in spades on the pitch by the courageous and athletic talents hailing from all parts of the country.
In the Senior final Meath weathered the Kerry storm, drew upon all their experience and tactical nous and their main players stepped up and delivered back to back All Ireland Titles. Wall, O'Sullivan, Duggan, Grimes and the indefatigable Emma Troy were merciless when it came to execution.
Kerry heads never fell, Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh never stopped. Síofra O’Shea and Lorraine Scanlon kept coming and making Meath work for every inch but as the match wore on, Meath looked to their stars and they duly delivered, in particular Troy who rallied those around her. Meath's team is full of talent but their half back line is different gravy. Leahy, Troy, Cleary - they are redefining the role in modern ladies football.
In Laois v Wexford, Aisling Donoher was absolutely superb. What a leader she is, a never say die attitude coupled with immense talent, Laois were glad to have her back. She was the stand out performer in the Intermediate final but Laois had a number of them - Mo Nerney simply couldn’t be marked and Erone Fitzpatrick looked like she was born to play in Croke Park. Wexford's heartbreak for a 2nd year in succession will be difficult. After was difficult start they began to play when they were at their lowest. A stirring fightback int he 2nd half culminated in dramatic and last ditch defending from Donoher et al. The curious decision to go for a point at the end with a free kick with only second remaining will cause a 'what if' recollection, but Laois were the better team overall on the day. Wexford's Caitriona Murray and Kellie Kearney turned the screw and put the pressure on Laois with excellent displays, but unfortunately all in vain.
The Junior final had it all when the two Ulster teams of Antrim and Fermanagh went head to head. Brilliant goals, shoddy marksmanship, dismissals, controversial penalty, fightbacks and last minute equalisers. A thoroughly enjoyable game which saw a plethora of fine individual performances and superb skills.
Antrim will be disappointed they left a 4 point lead slip with less than 11 minutes left but they will rue the controversial penalty conceded, allied to be a player down in the sin bin during that time. Croke Park is unforgiving when chasing a numerical disadvantage and it began to show, during such times as Fermanagh really upped the ante. In large parts the game was a beautiful battle between the untouchable Bláithín Bogue and the mesmerising teenager Maria O’Neill. The all star supporting cast of Orlaith Prenter and Lara Dahunsi for Antrim traded blows directly with Fermanagh’s Eimear Smyth and Erin Tierney. Who will have learned more from the experience? Hard to tell. Fermanagh were putting out fires from an early stage and came strong in the 2nd half. Antrim posted a massive wides count, particularly in the 1st half which they will rue and the sin binning of Niamh McIntosh seemed to drain the legs at the match grew. We’ll find out in a fortnights time.
Overall a great day out, heartening to see so many kids in Croker with their county colours on display and exuberance in abundance. 46,440 were in Croke Park yesterday and that was without Dublin being in the final. The support given by the large attendance of both male and female supporters, young and old shows the acceptance of the game and the product quality on view. The LGFA have to be commended for how they have drove the Ladies game on, secured sponsorships and given the public a brilliant game to watch.
photo courtesy of LGFA
Comments
Post a Comment