February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
Cavan 5-6, Mayo 0-3
In this first semifinal, played in blistering heat in Rockland, Cavan proved to be the more superior and experienced team, earning a spot in the final with Na Fianna, who won the other semi.
This was a game that never really got going for Mayo and when Rosie O’Reilly scored two goals in the opening 10 minutes, Cavan never looked back.
A tough ending for Mayo, who had hoped to make it to the final. Cavan were exceptional on the day and find themselves in their seventh final.
Cavan scorers: Rosie O’Reilly 2-1, Ger Mahon 0-4, Dervil Carey 1-0, Catherine Russell 1-1, Deirdre Feeney 1-0. Player of the Game: Justine Clifford
Mayo: Joanne McKenna 0-2, Teresa O’Malley 0-1. Player of the Game: Mary P. Toolan
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Na Fianna 2-6, Leitrim 1-6
On Sunday evening at Gaelic Park, attendees were treated to the women’s semifinals between Leitrim and Na Fianna. Na Fianna led at the half, 2-6 to 1-6. With tension high, Leitrim’s Pat Meade had an open invitation to a goal but made the grave error of bouncing the ball twice. Na Fianna, however, could not be stopped and produced a goal from an Edel Martin free. They finally closed the door for Leitrim when Edel Martin scored the final point of the game.
Na Fianna scorers: Edel Martin 1-3, Catherine Walsh 0-1, Maree Maloney 0-1, Alison Lineen 1-1. Player of the Game: Alison Lineen.
Leitrim: AnnMarie Sinead 0-2, Tracey McLaughlin 0-2, Sadie Bolger 1-1, AnnMarie McMunn 0-1. Player of the Game: Una Burke
Rockland 5-10, Ciarrai 0-4
Monaghan, without their normal 15 starters, tried their best but were well beaten by a younger and faster Rockland side in the Shield competition.
Rockland scorers: Claire Charlton 1-3, Mags Dineen 1-1, Colleen McElroy 2-2, Cathy Quinn 0-2, Ann Fitzpatrick 1-2. Player of the Game: Joanne Hoenninger
Monaghan: Carol Eagan 0-1, Noreen O’Reilly 0-1, Maudie Lynn 0-2. Player of the Game: Liz Collins.
Previews
June 28
Leitrim vs. Boston Shamrocks
1:30 p.m.
An exciting game for the first round of the Annie Kearney Knock-Out Competition, as Leitrim take on the Boston Shamrocks. who have entered the competition on a trial basis.
Leitrim will have to regroup after their disappointing loss in the semifinal, but they were the winners of this Cup in 1996 and will be looking to put some spark back into their season.
The reports from Boston indicate that this should be a tough encounter.
Mayo vs. Monaghan
2:45 p.m.
Mayo will be favorites based on their trip to the semifinals. Their level of fitness has been showing with strong play from Ellen McGrail and Mary Toolan in midfield. Sharon Gallagher, Fiona Ward and Theresa O’Malley have been strong in defense and, up front, the Cathy McKenna, Joanne McKenna and Donna Mulligan are always dangerous.
A loss for Monaghan will be their goalkeeper Chris Gallagher, who sustained a broken wrist in the game against Leitrim.
Rockland vs. Ciarrai
4 p.m.
This should be a competitive encounter as both these teams are well matched. Rockland, by far the most improved team in the league, have proved to be extremely fast and fit.
Not to be underestimated is Ciarrai. They have had an excellent year and were unfortunate to lose Marlese Fath to injury in the last game against Na Fianna.
Na Fianna vs, Cavan
5:15 p.m.
This game will be no walk in the park for either sides and no doubt both managers will be watching closely as Cavan and Na Fianna will play for the Championship Cup on July 19.
The last time Cavan and Na Fianna met was on May 17 in Rockland, and, while Cavan won, it was only by a small margin.
With the return of Alison Lineen, this has been a different Na Fianna team. Always fit and with her height advantage, she is a constant threat at midfield.
Right now Cavan are reaching top form and ready to defend this Cup they won in 1997.