LGAA Roundup Defending champs Cavan begin season where they left off

By Pierce O’Reilly

Favorites Cavan danced jigs around Na Fianna and ran out easy 2-17 to 0-2 winners in the season-opening games of the New York Ladies GAA on Sunday last at Van Cortlandt Park. Cavan still seem to be a fair bit ahead of most of the other teams in this division and unless summer imports arrive in their abundance, they should be good enough to retain the championship trophy. Gillian Bennett was her usual self, hitting points on the run from all angles and her overall play upfront proved too much for the Na Fianna defenders. Na Fianna defended with all their might but it wasn’t going to stop a Cavan side that have being playing together now for the last five years.

Cavan scorers: Bennett 1-7, Sue Bennett 0-2, Nadine Doherty 0-2, Geraldine Mahon 0-2, Karen Price 0-2 and Claire Bennett 0-2.

Na Fianna: Marie Melly 0-2.

Mayo 3-9, Monaghan 0-1

A more accomplished and sharper Mayo held too many aces in this eagerly fought encounter against their Ulster counterparts. Mayo have regrouped nicely over the winter and with Louise McMahon and the McKenna sisters, Joanna and Cathy, in fine form, they easily pushed Monaghan to one side. Monaghan, to their credit, fought to the final whistle. However, their inability to hit the target and their lack of organization at the back allowed Mayo many easy shooting opportunities, most of which they took.

Mayo scorers: Collette McGoldrick 1-2, Joanne McKenna 2-5, Maura Gilna 0-1 and Cathy McKenna 0-1.

Monaghan: Denise Kennedy 0-1.

Donegal 6-10, Fermanagh 0-0

Donegal outclassed an understrength Fermanagh side and will be delighted with this bright start to the season. They have found a real gem in newcomer Fiona Devenny, who hit 4-5 for her side. Devenny will be watched closely after this polished performance and her exploits in the future will be watched with bathed breath.

Donegal scorers: Devenny 4-5, Caroline Kelly 2-3, Bobby Stacks 0-2.

Kerry 3-15, Stamford 0-0

New kids on the block Kerry ran riot against Stamford. The Kingdom looked organized and determined. Their attack was always out in front and their defense soaked up anything that Stamford managed to throw at them. Mags Dineen, Maureen O’Driscoll and Clare Tracey were in fine form and their point taking was the highlight of the afternoon. Stamford will improve but it will take a big effort if they intend competing with the top cats this season.

Kerry scorers: Dineen 0-4, O’Driscoll 1-3, Tracey 1-4, Tracey Rice 1-2, Yvonne Rabbit 0-1, Julie Enright 0-1.

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Next week’s games take place at the Rockland Psychiatric Center.

Noon: Louis O’Heir cup: