February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
The final of the Sean Faherty championship this Sunday afternoon in Gaelic Park between the ladies of Cavan and Na Fianna has the makings of a great match.
Cavan and Na Fianna emerged victorious to meet in this important final for Cumann Peile na Mban Nua Eabhrac. This will be a repeat of the final from two years ago when Cavan took the title after a closely fought match when only a mere point separated the sides at the final whistle. Cavan will be hoping to hold onto the title which they have only lost once since the formation of the New York Ladies association and that in fact was to Na Fianna in 1994.
Cavan were unbeaten in this year’s championship finishing on top with full points. They also made it to the final of the Anne Kearney Cup Knockout but were narrowly beaten by Leitrim in a thrilling game in Gaelic Park on July 11.
Leitrim’s hopes of a double victory this year were dashed when Na Fianna beat them in the playoffs on Sunday last. Na Fianna’s form has improved tremendously toward the end of the season and the proof of the pudding was the displayed in last Sunday’s game as they fought hard and tough for every ball.
They will look to continued great play from full back Caroline (Conway) Bogue at full back, Alison Lineen, Grace Kelly, Ciara Ferry, Paula Corbett, Mary McEvoy, Helena Campion and their keeper Cathy Galvin, who stepped in for their usual keeper Ann Murray, as she made some fine saves to help put her side in the final.
Cavan are no strangers to Gaelic park or finals and manager Phil Sheridan will have his squad well fired up for this final, expecting nothing less that 100% from his panel and with the skills of Olive Wilson, Ann Holland, Pauline Coleman, Louise Fox, Gillian Bennett, Rosie O’Reilly, Karen Shalvey and Justine Clifford among others he can be sure he will get it.
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It’s a tough call on who will lift the Sean Faherty cup after the semi final performances. While both teams are worthy of the trophy, only one can take the title.
However, there’s one thing for certain: this game is one not to be missed.