The 2011 Bord Gais Energy Ladies Football National League kicks off on Sunday with Kilkenny hosting Westmeath in Urlingford. The sides last met in 2008 when the Cats had a one point win in the Leinster semi final but the girls from the Lake County reversed this result with a three point win a month later in the All-Ireland series. Westmeath struggled in the League last year to cope with the powerhouses of Cavan, Fermanagh and Waterford resulting in relegation to Division 4 where they will hope to be better matched with Kilkenny, Carlow, Offaly, Louth, Roscommon, Antrim and Derry.
Kilkenny will field a changed side in 2011 with some newcomers on board but Aine Sheehy, Niamh Whelan, Martina Maher, Miriam O‘Keeffe and Laurena Murphy add plenty of experience to the side. Eoin Hennessy’s side had a good run out against Sarsfields of Laois last week with the Laois side powered by three times All Star Tracey Lawlor who was recently named at left half forward on the TG4 team of the decade.
Westmeath have plenty of firepower in Mairead McCormick, Fiona Claffey and Sarah Dolan, a cousin of Westmeath senior footballer Dessie Dolan and are likely to feature a number of last year’s minor panel who contested the All-Ireland Minor Shield final against Mayo. Throw in on Sunday at Urlingford is 2pm.
Primary schools finals
Last week saw the semi finals of the Primary schools Girls Football league take place at Thomastown and Nuncio Road with four finals taking place in mid February. Thomastown secured their place in the A’ final with a win over St John of God while Gowran defeated St Canice’s. In the B’ semi finals Kilmanagh defeated Gaelscoil Osrai and Kilkenny School Project saw off the challenge of Callan.
The C’ final will be contested by Owning/Templeorum and Carrickshock who had good wins over Skeoughvosteen and Urlingford respectively. Newcomers Tullaroan reached the D’ final with a good win over Paulstown while Windgap defeated Muckalee who were also making their debut in the competition. The primary schools league has been a great success in recent years. The league was traditionally played between March and May but will from now on take place at the start of the school year in September and October in line with the boys’ competitions.
Under 16 trials
Trials get underway on the weekend of February 13 for the county under-16 side in preparation for the Leinster championship where the Cats will face Carlow, Offaly and Westmeath. Venue and times will be forwarded to all secondary schools in the coming week and enquiries can be made to Kilkenny Ladies football on 086 8989033.
