Early in the second half of today’s entertaining LGFA Senior Championship group match between Mayo and Cavan at Pearse Park in Longford, everything seemed to be going in the right way from our point of view. We led by eight points at that stage and looked well on course to seal the win that would guarantee the team’s place in the All-Ireland quarter-finals.
Despite trailing well at that point, Cavan were still proving a tough enough nut for us to crack. They flooded their defence with bodies when we attacked and then broke rapidly on the counter when they got possession.
We didn’t help matters by working the ball up the field too slowly, relying mainly on handpasses, and when they countered, we went one-on-one at the back, enabling them to push rapidly and dangerously into the scoring zone. To that extent, the game bore more than a little resemblance to some of the men’s recent outings.
Still, our shooting from distance was excellent and it was this ability to land points from outside their cover that left us in the good position we were in. Lisa Cafferkey, Shauna Howley, Sinéad Walsh, Sarah Mulvihil and Tara Needham all bagged points from well out to keep the scoreboard ticking over from us.
A determined Cavan fightback in the second half saw them fire home two good goals – Aly Cahill finishing both of them – and then a point from Aisling Gilsenan levelled the game with just five minutes to go to the hooter. All the momentum was with the Breffni County then.
To their great credit, however, Michael Moyles’ charges never panicked. We held possession as we patiently waited for an opening to appear in the Cavan cover. Eventually it did with just over a minute to go. Tara Needham took full advantage of the opportunity, firing over from the top of the D to seal a one-point win for the Westerners. Here’s the winning score:
59 nóim #CAVvMAY
— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) June 19, 2022
@CavanLGFA 2-09@Mayo_LGFA 0–16
Pointe do-chreidte in am an ghátair!
An inspirational score in the dying minutes!
@LadiesFootball
#ProperFan #GAABEO
BEO AR @TG4TV pic.twitter.com/2S8orwJNhE
Today’s result means that, with two wins from two in Group A, Mayo are now through to the All-Ireland quarter-finals with a match to spare. That final group fixture is against Dublin next Saturday evening – it’s at O’Moore Park in Portlaoise where throw-in is 7.15pm – where group placings will be up for grabs. Whoever wins that one will get a more favourable quarter-final tie.
Match report from Deniese O’Flaherty for Ladies Football on today’s win over Cavan is here.
Yesterday, meanwhile, it was Cavan who came out on top against the county’s camogie team. This Premier Junior Championship fixture was played at Westport and the Breffni County won it on a scoreline of 4-7 to 1-6.
Well done ladies, good work, from such a young team
Comhghairdeas do foireann Mhuigeo. A great victory by our ladies in a nail bitting 2nd half finish but fair dues they managed to get over the line! They will have a much harder match v the Dubs but no doubt Mr Moyles and company will have a plan for this young team!
Go neiri libh i gconai!
Mhuigeo Abu!
Congratulations ladies, great young panel
What is the story concerning tickets for the game next Sunday
James + Fleming, I have one spare Lower Cusak ticket section 308 row O. Drop me an email if you are interested. Face value of course.
I have still two for the hill at 30 each, or will take 50
for both
Ticketmaster are selling tickets intermittently. Last week, they were selling Upper Hogan in the corner and Hill 16. Then at the weekend … nothing. Then yesterday evening … lower Hogan near the halfway line were available plus others around the ground. Again today … nothing.
I reckon if you keep checking Ticketmaster more will become available over the next few days.
I do not believe that it will be a full sellout. Not a chance. I don’t think that there will be many yerras travelling. Any Kerry people I spoke to have no interest. They reckon Mayo have no chance. Let’s hope the team are thinking the same.