February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
The semifinals of the New York Ladies Sean Flaherty Championship take place on Sunday, June 21, with the final scheduled for July 19 in Gaelic Park.
The season that started in April with seven teams has culminated with four teams reaching the final four – Leitrim, Cavan, Mayo and NaFianna. The runners-up – Ciarrai, Rockland and Monaghan – will play in the Shield competition, the first round between Rockland and Monaghan being played in Gaelic Park on Saturday, June 20, at 3 p.m.
With only one time slot available for Gaelic Park on Sunday, June 21, after a draw, the game selected was Leitrim vs. Na Fianna. Cavan vs. Mayo will play earlier in the day in Rockland.
2:45 p.m., Cavan vs. Mayo
(at Rockland)
The competitive spirit of both these teams should make this game a rip-roaring 60 minutes. Cavan who are the defending champions will not be in a hurry to let go of the title. Mayo, on the other hand. have been very impressive and will be looking to avenge an earlier loss to Cavan.
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Cavan are holding true to form again this season despite a lot of injuries to key players. In the early part of the season they started out slow but since their loss to Leitrim and the return of injured Ger Mahon and Maggie Kavanagh they seem to be back on track. Watch for Olive Wilson, Mary Brady and Caroline Sullivan in defense, at midfield Maggie Kavanagh and Justine Clifford seem to be working well together, and up front Rosie O’Reilly, Ger Mahon, Karen Shalvey and Catherine Russell have been on target with their scores.
Apart from losses to Leitrim and Cavan, Mayo have looked impressive and well deserve their place in the semis. They will be looking to the following players to excel on the day: Annmarie McGrail, Fiona Ward, Sharon Gallagher and Theresa O’Malley in defense, at midfield Mary Toolan and Ellen McGrail, and up front the McKenna sisters, Tara Holmes and Una Kennedy.
6:30 p.m., Leitrim vs. Na Fianna
The last semifinal of the day between last year’s finalist Leitrim and Na Fianna should be a close encounter.
Leitrim have made it to the playoffs each year and have gained entry to the championship final for the last couple of years. They have built an all-around team and are the only unbeaten team in the championship with fairly comfortable victories apart from a close encounter with title holders Cavan. They will be looking for good performances from reliables Sadie Bolger, Colette O’Sullivan, Ann Marie McMunn, Trish Gleeson, Tracey McLoughlin and Paula Brophy.
Na Fianna have been fairly consistent throughout each championship, making it to the semifinal each year and were the proud title holders in 1995. Once again, they find themselves one step from the final after gaining their points to make it to the playoffs by defeating Rockland, Monaghan and Ciarrai. Players to watch out for are Alison Lineen, Mary McEvoy, Caroline Conway, Ann Ryan, Mags Ryan, Maire Curran, Monica Slevin with Ann Murray having a great season in nets.
3 p.m. Rockland vs. Managhan
(at Gaelic Park)
This should prove to be a great game by both these teams who are excited about having the opportunity of playing in Gaelic Park for the first time. Two highly competitive clubs that have improved this season and with star players like Rockland’s Claire Charlton and Monaghan’s Norma McCarthy a trip to Gaelic Park on Saturday afternoon might be a good way to spend a long summer’s evening.