February 15, 2011
By Staff Reporter
This weekend will see the New York women back in action at Paddy’s Field. The first game of the weekend will be Cavan vs. Mayo, which will be played on Saturday. This is the first of the three games that were rained out on May 10. The other two postponed games – Ciarrai vs. NaFianna and Leitrim vs. Monaghan – will be played on Thursday June 4th.
Here’s a look at this weekend’s action:
Saturday, May 30Cavan vs. Mayo6 p.m.
Expect a large turnout at this not-to-be-missed game on Saturday evening. Both teams are evenly matched and Mayo, who have added strong players in twins Cathy and Joann McKenna, will be looking for a win against Cavan. However, not to be forgotten are Mayo’s reliables Teresa O’Malley, Fiona Ward, Una Rice, Mary P. Tooland, and the McGrail sisters, Annemaire and Ellen. Mayo have had an impressive season so far and seem to be improving with each game they play.
But don’t underestimate a very determined Cavan side. They are looking forward to the return of injured player Ger Mahon, who has been out for the last few weeks with a sprained ankle. Olive Lynch should also be back in the fullback position and look for strong assistance from the hard-working Mary Brady and the best blocker in the league, Margaret Burns. Karen Shalvey remains dangerous in the forward line and Susan Maguire has been showing real determination with each games she plays.
Sunday, May 31Ciarrai vs. Leitrim1:30 p.m.
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Ciarrai have shown great progress since they meet with Leitrim last year. Having beaten Rockland in the League season opening this year, they will be looking for even more victories in the upcoming games. However, they will feel the losses of the suspended Sheila Frayne in the forward line and will be looking for strong performances from their back line of Marlese Fath and Brenda Walsh. Other players to watch for will be Mary Tuohy, Ann Hanrahan, Pauline O’Connor and Mary Kearney-Cooney.
Leitrim, who remain undefeated this year, will not let league points escape them easily. Look again for a hard-fought game from Colette O’Sullivan, Ann Marie McMunn and Sadie Bolger. Also impressive this season have been Ann Mc Morrow, Trish Gleeson, Paula Brophy and Tracey McLoughlin.
Cavan vs. Monaghan2:45 p.m.
Monaghan, who provided some great competition, have yet to secure points in this league table. Although not favorite’s facing such opponents as Cavan, Monaghan have shown great mettle in their games this season and have never given up on a game. Monaghan have a proficient level of fitness that will make Cavan work hard for the points on the day. They will be playing without suspended Michelle Davis, but watch out for a competitive hour from Norma McCathy, Mary Nash, Noleen Reilly, Catherine Donoghue and Chris Gallagher. Expect another good game from Cavan’s back line of Olive Wislon, Pauline Coleman, Mary Brady, Geraldine Flaherty and Margaret Burns. Cavan will be looking for Justine Clifford and Caroline Sullivan to keep the ball up in the forward line to sharp goal shooter Karen Shalvey, point take Rosie O’Reilly and Ger Mahon, who is always dangerous in front of the goals.
Na Fianna vs. Rockland4 p.m.
Rockland will be hoping to make up for last week’s disappointing second-half performance against Mayo after such a valiant effort in the first half. They have remained an unpredictable opposition and will provide NaFianna with a very physical game. Claire Charlton will need to be tightly marked and Joanna Hoenninger, Kerry Ann Galvin, Jenn Miari and Mags Dineen will give NaFianna a hard-fought game.
Na Fianna, will be looking fiercely for league points after such a close defeat against Cavan last week. They will be looking for another strong performance from Ann Murray, who was superb in goals last week. Hopefully back in the lineup for Na Fianna will be the injured Alison Lineen, who was hurt at the Washington 7-a-side tournament early in the spring. Watch out for Mary McEvoy, Mags Ryan, Caroline Conway, Monica Slevin and Marie Curran.