WEEKEND LGFA PREVIEWS

BY JACKIE CAHILL

TODAY

2024 Lidl Ladies National Football League Finals St Brendan’s Park, Birr (Live on Spórt TG4 YouTube)

DIVISION 3

Clare v Roscommon 4pm

THERE’S huge motivation within both camps: Clare were stung by defeat in the 2023 decider, when losing a thrilling decider against Kildare at Parnell Park after extra-time.

Roscommon, meanwhile, are aiming to win Division 3 silverware for the second time in three seasons.

When they met in February in Round 3, a 1-7 apiece stalemate was played out.

This was the proverbial ‘seesaw’ battle that saw the pendulum swing both ways before a stalemate ensued at the full-time whistle.

Clare were seven points down at half-time but, wind-assisted, they rallied in the second half.

Fidelma Marrinan and Chloe will carry the scoring threat for the Banner women today.

The return of Ailish Considine to the Clare ranks this year is another major boosts and undoubtedly makes the team stronger.

The Rossies will look to the likes of Aisling Hanly, Laura Fleming, Aisling Feeley and Lauren Shanagher to get them over the line.

DIVISION 4

Carlow v Limerick 2pm

AN unexpected pairing in this decider, given that Fermanagh and Leitrim had set the pace for most of the competition.

The counties met in the seventh round of the group phase with Limerick winning by two points.

Deborah Murphy led the way with 1-3 for the Treaty women and she’s one of her side’s leading lights, along with the likes of top scorer Iris Kennelly and Caoimhe McGrath.

Clíodhna Ní Shé, Rachel Sawyer and Sarah Doyle will be the key players for Carlow.

Limerick were beaten finalists last year while Carlow prepare for their first Division 4 final decider. Unlike last year, both teams will be promoted to the third tier

TOMORROW

2024 Lidl Ladies National Football League Finals Croke Park (Live on TG4)

DIVISION 1

Armagh v Kerry 3pm

ARMAGH prepare for their maiden appearance in a top-flight decider against the Kingdom, who are the current top flight title holders.

Kerry, chasing a 13th top flight title and back-to-back crowns, were once undisputed Division 1 League queens. From 1980-1985, they won six successive titles and followed that up with five-in-arow from 1987-1991.

Recent progress for the Orchard County has been rapid as they were Division 2 finalists in 2022, losing to Sunday’s opponents on that occasion, before going one better and landing second tier silverware and promotion last year, with victory over Laois.

They also hold the psychological pre-match edge after winning against Kerry in early March

when Aimee Mackin was in scintillating form.

Kerry have Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh leading the way in the scoring stakes, with the likes of Emma Dineen, captain Niamh Carmody and Hannah O’Donoghue also contributing handsomely in getting the Munster side back to the final.

DIVISION 2

Kildare v Tyrone 1pm

WITH promotion to Division 1 achieved for 2025, silverware is the name of the game for Kildare and Tyrone in Sunday’s Division 2 decider.

Kildare start as favourites, having topped the second tier table with 19 points from seven outings, with Tyrone two points further back. However both teams are unbeaten to date in 2024 and they drew when they faced each other in the group stages.

In that sixth round encounter, the Lilywhites extended their long unbeaten record, and without the services of top scorer Róisín Byrne, as Maria Canavan’s penalty secured a draw for Tyrone towards the finish.

Canavan has led the way in the scoring stakes all season for the Red Hands, with the likes of Chloe McCaffrey and Emma Conroy also making significant contributions, while Byrne’s efforts for Kildare have been aided by team-mates such as Ellen Dowling, who scored 1-4 in that previous meeting with Tyrone, and Neasa Dooley.

Kildare’s progress in recent times has been quite remarkable. They were crowned Division 3 champions last year before going on to land the TG4 All-Ireland Intermediate title.

DIVISION 1 PLAY-OFF Galway v Waterford

Ballinasloe, 2pm THIS winner-takes-all clash in Ballinasloe will determine who plays Division 1 football again next year — and who will drop down to Division 2.