An exciting Round 1 of the Lidl Ladies National Football League has already justified the bumper coverage confirmed for this season, which looks to be more competitive than ever.
Dublin manager Mick Bohan has embraced a new era of talent flooding the ranks as the Dubs kicked off 2023 with a solid win over reigning Lidl NFL Division 1 champions Meath.
Once again, Dublin and Meath served up the mouth-watering tie from the opening weekend of the season and this time the home side secured a brilliant 1-11 to 0-8 victory at DCU St Clare’s.
The experience of captain Carla Rowe, who scored their goal, and Hannah Tyrrell laid the foundations either side of half-time. Dublin took a 1-5 to 0-3 lead into the break and while Stacey Grimes brought Meath back into contention, Bohan could call on his bench for reinforcements.
Chloe Darby, Kerri Owens and Shannon Richardson scored crucial points. And although the Dublin boss recognises it is still only week one, it bodes well for the 2021 winners.
“We probably have a lot more change than we’ve ever had with this group and that’s the nature of it. A lot of our older soldiers have given serious service. It’s time to move on,” said Bohan.
“New kids on the block. While they’ve loads to learn, they brought an energy and they worked hard. That’s where we’re at.
“I wouldn’t be taking a whole heap out of it at the same time, a win gives momentum to a group and energy. If you’re 18, 19 years of age and you start off with a hang up about a county, it can start eating into you.”
It wasn’t the ideal start to Davy Nelson’s reign as Meath manager but he knows there is much more to come from the League and Championship holders.
“I thought the scoreline possibly flattered Dublin a little bit. We’d three pretty good goal chances and didn’t take any of them. That’s a huge swing when you’re talking about that.” said Nelson.
“You look at the scoreboard at the end, there was six in it. The last couple of minutes they tagged on a couple as they would. Overall, I’d be very happy with a lot of aspects of what we did.”
Galway were the other winners on Saturday, as they claimed a 0-11 to 0-6 win at home to Donegal in Tuam Stadium.
Maghnus Breathnach and Fiona Wynne’s side were too strong in the rain, with Kate Slevin scoring the last five points of the game before they turned their attentions to next week.
“Everyone puts a big emphasis on the league there and it’s great to get off to a good start but we have a lot of work to do before Dublin,” said Breathnach.
“Dublin are going to bring a lot of ferocity and experience. It’s going to be a great game for us.”
Kerry joint-manager Darragh Long believed his side were lucky to come away with a narrow 1-9 to 1-8 victory over Waterford at Piltown on Sunday.
Síofra O’Shea’s goal allowed for a 1-7 to 1-3 lead at half-time but last year’s TG4 All-Ireland Senior finalists never pushed on and required a last-gasp Danielle O’Leary point to seal the win.
“Today isn’t good enough, there’s no point sugar coating it,” said Long.
“I’m extremely frustrated here. It feels like daylight robbery on Waterford. They did enough in that second half to at least deserve a point.”
Cork were another side who left it late to secure the win in Round 1 with Katie Quirke’s goal crucial to their 2-11 to 0-12 win against Mayo at the Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence.
Cork were outstanding at times in the first half with their new-look team but despite Melissa Duggan’s goal and a 1-6 to 0-2 half-time lead they almost let Mayo back into the game.
“We’re absolutely delighted to leave here with the win,” said Ronayne.
“There were only six of the starting team today that togged out against Mayo in the championship last year, so there’s been a big transition there, a lot of new young players, there were three of last year’s minor team starting.”
The 2022 TG4 All-Ireland Intermediate champions Laois began the year with a thumping 3-14 to 1-6 win over Monaghan at MW Hire O’Moore Park, Erone Fitzpatrick, Mo Nerney and Sarah Anne Fitzgerald got the goals.
Armagh were 2-8 to 0-5 winners against Cavan in Drumlane while Tipperary beat Westmeath 1-13 to 1-11 and Tyrone got the better of Roscommon by 1-15 to 1-12.
There were victories for Kildare, Louth, Clare and Wexford in Division 3. And in Division 4, Leitrim and Limerick both began 2023 with wins.
Results:
Lidl Ladies National Football League Division 1:
Galway 0-11 Donegal 0-6
Dublin 1-11 Meath 0-8
Mayo 0-12 Cork 2-11
Waterford 1-8 Kerry 1-9
Lidl Ladies National Football League Division 2:
Cavan 0-5 Armagh 2-8
Laois 3-14 Monaghan 1-6
Tipperary 1-13 Westmeath 1-11
Tyrone 1-15 Roscommon 1-12
Lidl Ladies National Football League Division 3:
Kildare 3-13 Down 0-6
Louth 2-13 Longford 1-8
Sligo 0-5 Clare 3-15
Wexford 2-13 Offaly 2-4
Lidl Ladies National Football League Division 4B:
Leitrim 5-15 Derry 1-2
Kilkenny 0-2 Limerick 4-13
Compiled by Daragh Small
