February 17, 2011
By Staff Reporter
12:00 p.m. Cavan v. Na Fianna
These two teams have already met twice in the round-robin section of the championship, with Cavan easy winners in the first encounter, and last week Cavan won by the minimum on their second meeting.
Na Fianna have vastly improved since the beginning of the season, however, and have been fortified by Mary O’Rourke, Cliona O’Keefe and Linda Wall from Waterford and Lisa McConnell from Cavan. In their initial games they were dependent on O’Rourke for scores but in a tactical switch playing O’Rourke at mid-field, the remaining forwards kicked in.
Na Fianna will require a huge effort throughout the field if they are to overcome Cavan who have had indifferent form of late. Cavan are without the services of Ger Rice, who has proved a huge loss for them in their attack however midfielders Linda McKeon and Ciara McDermott are playing well together with Orlagh Cullen working hard from the back-line. If Na Fianna can dominate midfield, Cavan will find themselves in trouble. Expect a tight game with only points separating the teams at the finish.
1:30 p.m.: Mayo v. Kerry/Donegal
Mayo will be hoping to advance to their sixth straight final however to under-estimate the Kerry/Donegal outfit would be a mistake. Little can be taken from their last encounter as Kerry/Donegal were missing 6 of their regular starters and with Mayo’s Ellen McGrail returning to full fitness their panel will also be strengthened. Mayo have shown great team-work this year from defense to forwards. Edel Reilly is a hard worker in the middle of the field and plays a direct style of football setting up her forwards. Their defense is solid with Eleanor and Louise Fox, Joanne Monaghan stifling most forward lines. Kerry/Donegal have assembled a impressive team with both Denise Dunnion and Sue Bennett in their forward line. Noelle Earley has proved an addition there and was missed in their last encounter. Kildare native Stacey Cannon at Seventeen years old is an exciting prospect for the future. When in possession she is strong on the ball and distributes well to the forwards. Mary Cooney, Cathy Hughes Kathleen Enright, Aoife Gibson are all strong defenders and we can expect another close battle in this Semi-final.
FUNDRAISING NIGHT
New York Ladies will hold a fundraising night on Friday August 19th in The Heritage, 990 McLean Ave, Yonkers. There will be a “Stars in Your Eyes” talent contest with prizes galore. Dolly Parton and Elvis are rumored to make an appearance.
A fund-raising raffle will take place along with music provided by D.J. Chris. Admission is $10