Galway and Donegal maintain their strong starts
GALWAY and Donegal are the early pace-setters in Division 1 of the Lidl Ladies National Football League after both sides maintained their perfect starts to the competition.
Tim Rabbitte’s Galway side claimed a two-point win in Monaghan, with the Leonard cousins, Tracey and Róisín, contributing all nine of their points, while Maxi Curran’s Donegal turned on the style with a 3-10 to 2-7 victory over Mayo in Convoy.
Galway also had substitute Sarah Conneally to thank for their win in Cloghan. Conneally’s goal in the second-half put Galway clear, although Leanne Maguire hit back for the home side to set up a grandstand finish.
Róisín Leonard was off target with a late penalty, but Tracey slotted her sixth free late on to wrap up the win.
In Donegal, captain Karen Guthrie led the way as their strong finish shook off the challenge of Mayo.
Guthrie’s 1-2 haul in the first 12 minutes saw Donegal lead early on, but Mayo recovered from the loss of captain Niamh Kelly to the sin bin and her goal pulled them level.
Mayo briefly took the lead, but a 43rd-minute goal from Ciara Grant and another one from Róisín Friel gave the home side the breathing space to seal victory – despite Rachel Kearns’ reply for Mayo.
After losses last week, perhaps it was no shock to see TG4 All-Ireland finalists from 2018, Dublin and Cork, both claim their first wins of the 2019 league. Dublin took their frustration out on Tipperary with a 6-9 to 2-8 win at Ardfinnan, while Cork strolled to a 0-10 to 0-2 win over home side Westmeath.
In Division 2, Armagh enjoyed a 2-17 to 0-3 win over Cavan at Clonmore yesterday.
Tyrone earned their first win at home against Laois. Waterford’s draw in Tralee sees them maintain their good start to the competition, while Wexford and Clare had to be happy with a share of the spoils.