League Finals Previews
May 03, 2013Sunday May 5th
League Division One * Double header with GAA NHL, Nowlan Park
Cork v Wexford, Nowlan Park, 1.30pm, Fintan McNamara, (Clare)
This is the third meeting of the teams in twelve months. Cork halted Wexford's bid for four consecutive league crowns last May, while Wexford turned the tables by claiming the All Ireland in September (their third in a row). Wexford under a new management team of Martin Lynch, are missing some familiar faces such as Catherine O'Loughlin, Claire O'Connor and Una Leacy but still possess enough firepower with Ursula Jacob and Katrina Parrock up front, while Noeleen Lambert, Karen Atkinson and Mary Leacy command the defence. Cork are without the services of Gemma O'Connor for the remainder of the season due to work commitments. Aoife Murray returns to goals for Sunday's encounter while the defence will be marshalled by Rena Buckley with Anna Geary returning to her familiar wing-back position. Up front, Katrina Mackey along with Sile Burns will assume scoring duties. Cork's pace in attack is one of their key strengths but they face an experienced Wexford outfit. Cork though may have enough though to get them over the line.
Verdict: Cork
League Division Two
Limerick v Kildare, St Brendan's Park, Birr, 3.30pm, Cathal Egan (Cork)
A novel pairing between two sides who will be hungry for promotion to Division One. Both teams possess excellent scoring ability with Susie O'Carroll, leading the line for Kildare while for Limerick Dympna O'Brien and Niamh Mulcahy are key players. Kildare's half back line were extremely strong in their semi-final victory but face a tough challenge against Limerick's speedy forwards. Limerick captained by the experienced Michelle Casey at centre back, may shade this one, but by the tightest of margins.
Verdict: Limerick
Saturday May 4th
League Division Three
Dublin v Laois, Cusack Park, Mullingar, 3.30pm, Richard McNicholas (Galway)
Dublin are propelling up the league ranks and led by Captain Elaine Gallery, they will be keen to secure victory and a coveted spot in Division Two. They face a determined Laois side, backboned by the famous Harps club, including midfielder Louise O'Mahony. A tight encounter is in store but Dublin's greater firepower should see them through.
Verdict: Dublin
League Division Four Final
Carlow v Tyrone, Cusack Park, Mullingar, 1.30pm, Liz Dempsey (Kilkenny)
Both counties have made huge strides in recent years. Carlow lost last year's final to Dublin and will be keen to make amends. The success of Myshall in the All Ireland Junior club championship has contributed enormously to the inter-county set up. Tara Wilson is a key player along with Ciara Quirke while Tyrone will look to Shauna Jordan, Aisling Corr and Caoimhe Rafferty.
Verdict: Carlow Tweet
