February 15, 2011
By Staff Reporter
Thursday, June 4at Van Cortlandt ParkNa Fianna vs. Ciarrai6 p.m.
This game should make for a thrilling encounter as both teams are fighting for their place in the championship. Na Fianna are back in form after coming off a much needed win against Rockland and will look to the experience of Alison Lineen, Marie Curran and Rose Dunican to carry them through. Ciarrai will be up for this game after seeing their side put up a great performance against Leitrim. Marlese Fath is having a stellar season at full-back and Mary Kearney-Cooney continues to put pressure on every defense. Watch for the return of Sheila Frayne to pick off the score for Ciarrai.
Monaghan vs. Leitrim6 p.m.
Leitrim will enter this game as favorites. While they looked a little sluggish against Ciarrai, they are still the team to be beaten this season. Monaghan will have their hands full trying to contain the speed of Colette O’Sullivan and Sadie Bolger, while up front Eibhlish Dineen and Pat Meade have been connecting well to put scores on the score board. Monaghan have been working hard all season but unfortunately have yet to secure points. Ace player Norma McCarthy has been outstanding. Michelle Davis will be back in the line up and as always Mary Nash, Kate McEntee and Catherine Donoghue will give it their best.
Sunday June 7at Paddy’s FieldRockland vs. Leitrim1:30 p.m.
A tough game for a Rockland side, who have shown great promise. Claire Charlton, Jean Mari, KerryAnn Galvin and AnneMarie Maye will be looking to finish the season with a good effort against Leitrim. At this point Leitrim are looking to be strong contenders to pick up the Cup in 1998. They have played well all season and this game should be no exception/ Look again to Colette O’Sullivan, Ann Marie McMunn, Paula Brophy, Trish Gleeson and Tracey McLoughllin.
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Na Fianna vs. Mayo4 p.m.
Another great game to mark on the calendar. These two teams are well matched and will be fiercely battling for points in the league. Na Fianna have improved in the last few weeks and are showing the football of old. In defense, Louise McKeown, Mary McEvoy, and Mags Ryan are in top form, while Monica Slevin and Rosie McClelland are putting in strong efforts. Mayo will look to put their loss against Cavan behind them and should come out strong. They will look to their experienced players: Mary Toolan, Ellen McGrail, Teresa O’Malley and Fiona Ward.
At Gaelic ParkCavan vs. Ciarrai6 p.m.
Cavan will enter this game as favorites but they should be wary of a Ciarrai side which pulled off a near upset of Leitrim last Sunday. In defense, Marlese Fath and Brenda Walsh have been outstanding. Look to the speed of Siobhan Neville and the ever dangerous Sheila Frayne to pick up the scores. Cavan will again be looking for a strong performance from their dangerous full forward Ger Mahon and Dervil Carey and Louis McCambridge on the wings. In the middle of the field, Justine Clifford and Maggie Burns have been teaming up well and the back line remains strong.