The county’s women footballers start their National Football League campaign this afternoon. They’re up against Cork in the opening round of Division One, a match that throws in at the Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence at 1.30pm.

The team for today’s match was named last night. Here it is:

Mayo (LGFA NFL Division One v Cork, 22/1/2023): Laura Brennan (Hollymount); Éilís Ronayne (Davitts), Róisín Flynn (Knockmore), Danielle Caldwell (Castlebar Mitchels); Ciara Needham (Louisburgh), Fiona McHale (Carnacon), Kathryn Sullivan (Castlebar Mitchels, captain); Clodagh McManamon (Burrishoole), Hannah Reape (Knockmore); Emily Reape (Knockmore), Sinéad Cafferkey (Kilmovee), Shauna Howley (Knockmore); Lisa Cafferkey (Kilmovee), Tara Needham (Louisburgh), Rachel Kearns (MacHale Rovers).

There’s a decent balance to the side Michael Moyles has named for this game. Laura Brennan slots back into goal in Aisling Tarpey’s absence, while Clodagh McManamon and Rachel Kearns, both back in action this year, come in at midfield and corner forward respectively. Newcomer Emily Reape starts at half-forward.

There’s also noteworthy familial links in the starting fifteen, with three sets of sisters lining out today. As well as the well-established Cafferkey sisters from Kilmovee, the team includes the Needhams from Louisburgh and they’re joined by the Reapes from Kilmovee. More power to the lot of them.

If you’re planning on going to today’s match – and, with the temperature nudging into double-digits and no rain forecast, it looks like it’ll be a decent afternoon for a game – then don’t forget that you need to buy your match tickets in advance. The link for purchasing tickets online is here.

The game is also being livestreamed by the LGFA, where a match pass costs just €5. They also have a full season pass on offer for €50. The link for that is here.

Best of luck to Michael and his charges this afternoon and here’s to a successful opener to the ladies’ League campaign. Up Mayo.