Image: @Mayo_LGFA
The lads are already safely through to this year’s All-Ireland final and the ladies are this evening bidding to do the same. They take on Dublin in this evening’s LGFA All-Ireland semi-final at Breffni Park, Cavan,where throw-in is set for 6.30pm.
The Dubs, beaten finalists for the last two years, will be a tough nut for Frank Browne’s charges to crack and the Leinster champions go into this evening’s tie as 8/13 favourites. The handicap is set at a single point, though, so the Girls in Blue aren’t raging favourites. I doubt if our women will be overawed by the challenge they pose.
As Darragh Berry noted in his match preview on the site the other day (thanks again for that one, by the way, Darragh), the Mayo ladies have only lost once this year. That was in the League final against Cork, where it was widely felt afterwards that we’d left a win behind us that May evening at Parnell Park.
Earlier in this year’s League campaign – the day after the lads lost to Dublin in the rain and wind at MacHale Park – the ladies beat this evening’s opposition, running out 2-9 to 1-9 victors at Swinford. There’s a world of difference, I know, between a League match in February and an All-Ireland semi-final at the end of August but that win should give our girls confidence that they can do the business this evening.
Ahead of the game, there are a few pieces in today’s papers with manager Frank Browne (Irish Independent, Irish Examiner), where he speaks bravely about the death of his six-year old daughter Emma back in 2003. In doing so, he places sport – and the importance we tend to put on it – in its proper context. If you can get through these without shedding a silent tear then you’re tougher than I am.
Hopefully there’ll be a big support at the Cavan venue for this one (which, sadly, won’t include me as we’re in the midst of post-holiday, back-to-school chaos right now). For those who can’t make it the match will be broadcast live on TG4 and Midwest will also be providing full commentary on it.
Best of luck to Frank and the ladies this evening as they bid to secure a first LGFA All-Ireland final appearance for the county since 2007.
Before I go, I’ve been asked to give a special shout-out to Crossmolina native Fiona Hiney who, ahead of the throw-in at Breffni Park, will take the field as the first semi-finalist in the LGFA TG4 All-Ireland final National Anthem competition. If you’re going to be at the game, make sure to give her a rousing reception when she performs Amhrán na BhFiann this evening. Give it socks, Fiona. Up Mayo!
Willie Joe, great that you are helping to promote the ladies game on your blog, they have more than than earned it. Frank Browne deserves immense credit for re-establishing Mayo as a force in ladies senior football – the talent was always there, we just couldn’t find the right manager – how long did Con Moynihan last , 4 weeks? For sure Cora will be double marked today, for the last 17 years opposing teams know that if they keep our star forward quiet they will beat Mayo. We are still way over-dependent on her, if we can find forwards to share the burden then we have a great chance of completing the double. The very best of luck to a team which has flown the Mayo flag higher than any other team representing our county over the last 20 years.
Best of luck to the ladies today, it would be great if they made the final!
Mayo ladies have a great opportunity this year.
It has opened up nicely for them.
Played poorly against westmeath but expect a great performance today.
Best of luck to the ladies this evening. Hoping for another great win a massive send off year for Cora .
What a most enjoyable game but again the refereewill be the talking point. He was terrible!. No consistency. How many times does Cora have to be pulled down before the referee takes action.
Thanks for the shout out Willie Joe! It was an honour to sing at the match this evening. The Mayo ladies played a blinder and have done us so proud. Thanks again.
You’re welcome, Fiona – well done!