February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
This New York Ladies GAA game brings together last year’s cup finalists. Mayo have not had an easy path to the final, meeting Cavan in the first round and winning by the minimum margin, and then facing a defiant Kerry D Gold in the semifinal and being made work hard for their victory. In this game Mayo lost their top scorer, Joanne McKenna, who is unlikely to be fit to play in the final.
Na Fianna also had a tough path to the final, meeting Monaghan in the first round and also had a hard, competitive encounter with Rockland in the semifinal. They also have their fair share of injury woes, with Brenda Furlong, Paula Barrett and Nancy Donohue all missing in recent weeks.
Mayo will be favorites to retain their title but recently have not played to form. They have a potent attack line with Denise Dunnion and Lynda Donnelly teaming up, and both will need close marshalling if Na Fianna are to be victorious. Mayo are strong in defense with Joanne Monaghan, Eleanor Fox and Fiona Ward stemming any threats. Midfield is where games are won or lost and Lorraine Leacy has been playing well for Na Fianna, with good distribution to her forwards. With Caitriona Lynch, Mags Ryan and Finola McConnell all defending well, we should expect a real battle, especially if Na Fianna are able to punish Mayo’s recent slow starts.