Death.
Taxes.
The Dubs in an All-Ireland final.
While a multitude of Gaelic Games onlookers had their three certainties in life shattered to pieces by Mayo GAA at the weekend, Dublin LGFA may still pull through in their drive for five Brendan Martin Cups.
Surpassing the The Maritime County on Saturday, The Girls in Blue now progress to their eighth successive final where they are to meet newly promoted Meath on September 5th.
But just how did they trump Michael Moyles’ side and how do those attributes go towards their All Ireland final plans?
1.Hannah Tyrrell
Congrats to @dublinladiesg's @HannahTyrrell21 on a big week, getting married💍and now through to an #allireland Final!!
📸 @INPHOjames 💙🌈 @DubGAAOfficial #dublinpride #lgfa pic.twitter.com/lWFkWkp2FA— Inpho Photography (@Inphosports) August 14, 2021
Hannah Tyrrell may have called a close on her international rugby career in May, but her national sports treasure status remains firmly intact as of the weekend.
Scoring five points from play the Na Fianna club woman put on a masterclass in shooting, collectedness on the ball and disciplined nature, not to mention the fact that her wedding day was just three days prior!
An instrumental cog in Dublin’s 1-17 to 2-9 victory, the number 10 is a huge part of Mick Bohan’s line out and current success, with a colossal performance expected to be incoming come finals day.
Speaking with TG4 after the game she remarked of the “tough” and “physical” nature of the play but also took the time to mention her newlywed partner.
“Mayo always put it up to us and they got a bit of a run at us at the end of the first half and stayed with us but we kept the scores ticking and we got the result at the end of the day” she said.
“It’s been a pretty good week so far. I can’t really complain everything is going right to me…Hi to Sorcha my new wife” the former 7s and 15 star commented as she smiled.
“I’ve loved the week it’s been emotional and a little bit draining but it’s great to get the win and we’re in an All-Ireland final.”
“Every single match it’s not the 15 that start it’s the 15 that end it and our subs had a huge impact today and it shows the depth in our panel you know that’s what you need these days.”
“It’s great to see the players coming on and making a huge contribution and getting us over the line.”
What a week for @HannahTyrrell21 👰 🏆
Married on Wednesday and POTM in the semi that sees 🔵 @dublinladiesg through to their EIGHTH (yes you read that right!) successive All Ireland.
Devastating for @Mayo_LGFA but @Raachkearns sublime. Another cracker to come tomorrow 🔥 https://t.co/ZgeEf1XISF— Her Sport (@HerSportDotIE) August 14, 2021
2. Bench quality equivalent to that of their starters
**TEAM SHEETS**@TG4TV All-Ireland SFC semi-finals
Both games at @CrokePark and live on TG4 https://t.co/Q8PsqK8a6y
Saturday@dublinladiesg v @Mayo_LGFA - 3.45pm
Sunday @CorkLGFA v @meathladiesMLGF - 3.30pm #ProperFan pic.twitter.com/gZv8XACDl4— Ladies Football (@LadiesFootball) August 13, 2021
Precisely that rhetoric is what seems to have stood to The Sky Blues in their championship reign of terror.
With Niamh Collins, Carla Rowe and Niamh McEvoy all ruled out through injury, their replacements never failed to step up to the plate on the pre-ultimate semi-final stage.
In a match where they didn’t trail at any point in time, there were no signs of distress or panic but rather an unparalleled composure from the capital city’s outfit to roll in and out the replacements.
Culminated in that eight time All-star Sinéad Goldrick only graced the pitch in the second half, her comeback from AFLW inflicted hamstring trauma warmed the heart of LGFA fans around the country (with the exception of those donning the green and red of Mayo).
Three changes for @dublinladiesg
OUT: Carla Rowe, Niamh Collins, Niamh McEvoy
IN: Caoimhe O’Connor, Niamh Hetherton, Aoife Kane #COYGIB #UpTheDubs #Dublin pic.twitter.com/HIHles4l9t— DublinLGFA (@dublinladiesg) August 14, 2021
3. Adapted to the threat of Rachel Kearns and will do so to other big hitters
Rachel Kearns of Mayo in action against Aoife Kane, left, and Lauren Magee of Dublin during the TG4 Ladies Football All-Ireland Championship semi-final at Croke Park today.
📸 @sportsfilerayhttps://t.co/vJssxkQifP pic.twitter.com/ob6CC3VYdy— sportsfile (@sportsfile) August 14, 2021
Consistently upping the ante for both The Westerners and Galway WFC, Rachel Kearns was a menace to behold in Croker on Saturday.
The 1-5 (0-4 from frees) to her name upon summon of the final whistle was a fraction of what she could have racked up had it not been for Dublin’s rapid response and game management.
Rotating markers on the prolific competitor the prevailing champions exercised their defensive talents to dampen her creative tendencies and although Kearns was not completely neutralised it went a long way in aiding their triumph, something that will surely help them in their mission to conquer any future opponent.
⏱️ LATEST
🏆 @TG4TV All-Ireland SFC semi-final@Mayo_LGFA 2-1@dublinladiesg 1-9
Rachel Kearns' goal gave Mayo hope as we approach half time@SportTG4 @GAA_BEO @ConnachtLGFA @LeinsterLGFA#ProperFanpic.twitter.com/UxCjEQLX6C— Ladies Football (@LadiesFootball) August 14, 2021
4. They excell on kickouts
CÚL tapaidh aimsithe ag Caoimhe O'Connor do Áth Cliath 😍👌
Lyndsey Davey intercepts the kick-out & Caoimhe O'Connor with the goal for @dublinladiesg 🤩🥳@LadiesFootball @ClontarfGAAClub
#ProperFan #PeilnamBan
BEO/LIVE AR @TG4TV
pic.twitter.com/hBCwi5VPvI— LLG Football (@LeinsterLGFA) August 14, 2021
Mick Bohan’s ladies shone once again on the kick out front in their last display, owing to their intense value of possession.
For example Lyndsey Davey’s interception of the oppositions restart over the end line directly set up Caoimhe O’Connor to send the green flag waving and the team on their way to the win, a trait they will be looking to replicate come the start of next month.
5. Experience to close out a game
As is well evident via their trophy cabinet in recent times,The Metropolitans group are as capable and competent as they come.
With new names as well as old faces coming to the fore and getting the job done, the ever favourites will have no fear going into the finale versus Meath.
The All Ireland Final between Dublin and Meath will take place on September 5th.
Here’s five reasons why Meath beat Cork in the semi-finals and how THEY can overcome Dublin.
