Dublin ease past Mayo to set up date with Kingdom
CHAMPIONS Dublin continue on their charge for back-to-back titles for the first time after topping Group 4 thanks to Saturday’s comfortable victory over a Mayo side still without their Carnacon contingent, including Cora Staunton.
Noelle Healy scored 1-2 as the title-holders advanced to a quarter-final against Kerry in the TG4 Ladies Football Championship courtesy of a 3-11 to 1-8 win over their old rivals.
Damp conditions at Dr Hyde Park made for a difficult first half and Dublin were 1-5 to 0-4 ahead after Clodagh McManamon’s own goal.
Mayo fought back in the second half with Fiona Doherty cancelling out Healy’s early strike. But a Nicole Owens’ goal secured victory for the Jackies.
Dublin manager Mick Bohan was thrilled with his side’s display.
“We are through and top the group. That was the objective. There were times out there that it was a bit frustrating but we achieved what we came here to do,” said Bohan.
“Can’t wait for the quarter-finals. Two weeks and the knockout games start. That’s what we’ve been preparing for.”
Mayo must re-group ahead of a repeat of the Connacht final against neighbours Galway on August 12.
Elsewhere, Galway boss Stephen Glennon watched his players produce another demolition job in their 6-17 to 1-6 win over Westmeath in Ballinasloe.
Despite the loss Westmeath will play Cork in the quarter-finals, with Galway looking very dangerous ahead of their return meeting with Mayo.
“We have expected to play Mayo again if things went to plan. We’ll have to knuckle down and prepare well for that one,” said Glennon.
“They’ll be gunning for us but it’d be the same if the shoe was on the other foot. Local rivalry, Galway and Mayo, it’ll be the same as always.”
In Group 1, Eilish Ward’s goal was enough to secure a narrow 1-13 to 3-6 victory over Kerry at Dr Hyde Park.
It means Donegal bypass a potential meeting with Dublin in the next round, but manager Maxi Curran insists that was never an issue.
“I don’t think (avoiding Dublin) is what it’s about. You have to take all comers at this stage. We are in an All-Ireland quarter-final,” said Curran.
“If you have realistic ambitions of winning an All-Ireland, which this team does, you have to take on all comers as and when you meet them. Armagh will be no easy game for us,” he warned.
Armagh and Donegal will clash next weekend – one of two quarter-finals up for decision – with Fionnuala McAtamney’s side only advancing to the last eight on scoring difference ahead of Monaghan.
Cork were 1-19 to 1-7 winners at Ballinasloe in their final Group 2 clash but that defeat was still enough to ease Armagh through.
“It is difficult to celebrate a loss like that and that’s now what we’re doing but it’s good to be in the next round and we did what we had to do to get there,” said joint-manager McAtamney.