Ladies in search of three- in- a- row
SLIGO LADIES go in search of a three- in- arow of Connacht Intermediate titles on Sunday.
They renew old rivalries with neighbours Leitrim at McHale Park, Castlebar. ( Throwin 1.3pm).
The eagerly awaited game is the curtainraiser to the senior final between Mayo and Galway.
Sligo manager, Pat Costello says he is “quietly optimistic” ahead of the provincial decider.
He said: “Leitrim beat us in the first round of the Championship by two points.
“We were short a few players and indeed we lost 7 of our first 15 to retirement, emigration, etc.
“Leitrim will be strong, but we are reasonably confident.”
Former Captain, Eithne Flanagan has retired, but Costello welcomes back Tracey O’Hara and Siobhan Sullivan.
Elisha Codd leads the team this year, with Geevagh’s Stephanie O’Reilly as the Vice-Captain.
Her sister Elaine also features in the Sligo side.
The Sligo manager added: “We lost our entire half- back line and two our of our halfforwards.
“However, the likes of Grainne Carty from Tourlestrane and Colley Casey from Eoin Rua have come in and done well.”
Sligo will be hoping midfielders Bernice Byrne and Sinead McTiernan can win vital possession against Leitrim. Jacqui Mulligan will also have a crucial role to play.
Noelle Gormley and Orla McGowan were both named in the Division 3 Team of the Year recently.
The talented Emma Hansberry also came off the bench as Sligo beat Roscommon 419 to 3- 15 to ensure their place in the Final.
Pat Costello said: “We had only 16 or 17 players for the National League. “Yet, we got some good results. “We beat Waterford in our last game, and hopefully if we play as I know we can, we will certainly be well capable of getting over Leitrim on Sunday.”
Leitrim include Aine and Niamh Tighe, Aine being named on the national Team of the Year for the 6th time this term.
Costello believes the Final is in many ways “bonus territory” for his side.
He explained: “There were a lot of games when our bus had more empty seats than full ones.
“A lot of work went in to keeping the team together.
“It’s great to get to another Final and it is a fitting reward for all those involved, both the players, management and backroom people.”
Costello is also delighted that a number of minor players are now also coming through.
He said: “They can only learn and improve by being involved. “We’re all looking forward to Sunday. “Hopefully, we will be celebrating another Connacht Championship this year.”