By Ciaran Woods
SENIOR FINAL - Can Tyrone spoil Monaghan's day?
They're certainly no strangers to each other and old rivals Monaghan and Tyrone go head to head again this weekend. The Farney girls have held the upper hand and came out comfortable winners when they met in last year's provincial decider. You get the feeling though that Monaghan won't get it all their own way this time, as Tyrone gear up for another championship assault.
The Red Hands have slipped down the pecking order in recent seasons and although they've reached the last four of the All-Ireland race for the past two years, another provincial title is very much top of the Tyrone agenda. Monaghan on the other hand have been among the most consistent performers for over a decade. Just when you think their powers are on the wane, back they surge, like last season when they reached yet another All-Ireland final. There's little between them, so who will come out on top in Sunday's Breffni Park showdown?
Verdict...
There's no such thing as a bad game when teams from Tyrone and Monaghan go head to head and this Sunday's clash will be no different. It's a case of restoring pride for Tyrone, to make up for last year's Ulster final defeat and a chance for the Red Hands to lay down a real marker of their intentions.
With Monaghan, you always know what you're going to get. They're almost impossible to break down and have scoring threats all over the pitch. They know how to win, they don't accept losing and it's not something they're likely to experience again here. Monaghan to take it courtesy of a late surge.
Last Day Out.... (2x100)
Monaghan
The Farney girls had relative ease in disposing of Down in their semi-final meeting, running out 2-13 to 1-7 winners and limiting Down to just two second-half points. Edel Byrne was the star of the show scoring 2-6, but the foundation for their success was a strong defensive display which stymied any threat there was from a fancied Mourne attacking unit. Goalkeeper Linda Martin was in superb form as her fine saves kept Down at bay, while Ciara McAnespie chipped in with three points and Niamh Kindlon also helped herself to two points over the hour.
Tyrone
The Red Hands had, arguably, the more difficult passage to the Ulster final as they had to contend with Armagh in the semi-final. An early blitz which saw Tyrone race into a 2-2 to 0-0 lead courtesy of goals from Gemma Begley and Joline Donnelly paved their way to victory. Armagh battled back in the second half, but strong defending from the Red Hands kept the Orchard county at bay. Sarah Donnelly was superb at midfield alongside Shannon Quinn and also got on the scoreboard, while Gemma Begley, Joline and Cathy Donnelly tortured Armagh up front.
Big Match Up 1... (100)
Neamh Woods v Edel Byrne
Woods faces one of her toughest challenges to date when she attempts to put the shackles on Monaghan's form attacker Byrne. The Monaghan veteran was the key player in her side's march to the All-Ireland final last year and has started this campaign in blistering fashion. She's physically extremely strong and if she gets the right supply of possession then she will do serious damage with her accuracy. The challenge for All-star Woods is to make sure Byrne doesn't get on the ball. The Northern Ireland netball ace will be confident of at least breaking even in the air, while her pace should have her out in front for the low balls. She must impose her own game on Byrne and put her attacking instincts to good use. If she can do that, then it's advantage Tyrone.
Big Match Up 2... (100)
Amanda Casey v Sarah Donnelly
Keep young children at a safe distance, there could be fireworks as these two clash! The pair are without doubt two of the finest midfielders in the country and are key components in the type of football their teams play. Casey perhaps holds a slight edge in terms of her vision and the accuracy of her passing into her forwards, but Donnelly is quite simply a powerhouse and impossible to dispossess when on the ball. Based on her performance against Armagh, it seems that an ability to fire over long-range scores is a facet which Donnelly has brought to her game. It's sure to be a tussle of titanic proportions, with Casey possibly coming out just on top.
The Support Cast... (150)
Tyrone's biggest scoring threat against Armagh came from the diminutive Joline Donnelly, who fed off Gemma Begley in particular and used her pace to torment the Orchard defence. Tyrone will look for big games too from Sarah Connolly, while Cathy McCullagh, sister of Tyrone star Colm, should get another chance to shine. The pressure is on Tyrone 'keeper Sinead McVey to keep the Farney at bay, while a defence led by Maura Kelly at number three will have to be on top of their game.
Monaghan have scoring potential all over the park and with Therese McNally available again it's a formidable attack. The experience of Byrne at 11 is complimented by Niamh Kindlon on the edge of the square, acting as both a target and a play maker. The pace of Ciara and Aoife McAnespie is frightening, while Cathriona McConnell looks back to her best. They boast a mean defence, where Christina Reilly and Grainne McNally should once again excel.
In profile: The captains... (2x100)
Sharon Courtney, Monaghan
One of the classiest defenders in the country, Courtney's exploits at the back was a key reason behind Monaghan's march to the All-Ireland final last year and earned her an All-star for her efforts. Usually assigned to look after the most dangerous player on the opposition, she rarely lets the side down and will impress again on Sunday.
Sinead McLaughlin, Tyrone
McLaughlin is no stranger to the Ulster championship and is now one of Tyrone's most seasoned campaigners. She's an all-action corner-back, her superb vision often giving her the advantage and seeing her emerge with the ball. She's tough in the tackle and is a fantastic leader on the field who will inspires through her actions.
What the managers say... (2x100)
John McAleer, Monaghan
"We're now where we want to be. It was a very physical tough game against Down and it was good for us to be tested like that after the Donegal game.
"I felt our backs gave the Down forwards too much room in the first half. We addressed that at half time and they only got two points. They certainly put it up to us.
"For the final we'll have Therese and Oonagh McNally and Isobel Kierans back and we're looking forward to that. As defending champions, we are up there on a mantelpiece. We are the team that everyone else wants to beat and so far we have been able to keep ourselves up there."
Niall Colton, Tyrone
"We're looking forward to it. The aim was always to get past Armagh and reach the Ulster final. We did that, but we know that it will take a much better performance if we're going to get the better of Monaghan.
"It was no fluke that they got to the All-Ireland final last year, they're one of the best teams in the country and will take some beating.
"However, too many times Tyrone have been gallant losers. We're looking to put that right. An Ulster title was our target from the outset and it remains our focus. We're feeling good and we're looking forward to the challenge."
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INTERMEDIATE FINAL
Cavan v Fermanagh
Cavan and Fermanagh really must be fed up with the sight of each other at this stage. They've met time and again in the Ulster championship, All-Ireland championship and National League and this Saturday night they'll do it all over again.
The Breffni girls had been enjoying the upper hand, but last year the Ernesiders made history when they won their first adult title after finally getting the better of their bitter foes. It took them two stabs at it, drawing at Breffni Park before Fermanagh ground out a two point win in the Brewster Park replay.
If anyone thought that this season might be different, then their recent All-Ireland championship group clash which finished level showed that we can look forward to another nip and tuck cracker.
On that occasion, Sharon Little was in fine form up front and it was the 'Skea attacker who sent Shauna Hamilton through late on to find the back of the net. However Bronagh Sheridan was to have the final say with the equalising score from a 21 metre free in the dying seconds of the game to deny Fermanagh a win.
Aisling Moane turned in a superb performance in the middle of the field for the Erne girls, with Caroline Little firing over a number of sensational scores. For Cavan, Aisling Doonan and Brid Boylan were a constant threat.
Both teams will be hoping to make a bigger impression on the All-Ireland stage this time around, their lack of consistency having proven to be their downfall on previous occasions. To secure the Ulster title would provide a massive confidence boost before the All-Ireland race gets properly underway and the challenge for Fermanagh is to prove that last year wasn't a one-off.
However, Cavan should have just a little bit more strength and depth and their extra experience could see them grind out a result here.
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JUNIOR FINAL
Antrim v Derry
They've pushed them hard for the last two seasons, but Derry have repeatedly stepped up late on to break Antrim hearts.
Last year only two points separated the teams at the final whistle and what will have made it all the more frustrating for the Saffron faithful will be the fact that the Oak Leaf girls made it all the way to the All-Ireland final.
Eimear Gallagher helped herself to 1-3 when they met in last year's provincial decider, while Clare Timoney equalled that tally including a glorious first-half goal.
As so many times in the past, Kathy Conway was one of the stars for Derry, causing no end of problems for the Antrim defence along with Louise Glass and Shauna McCallion. The Saffron rearguard will have to be at their very best to keep tabs on them this weekend.
Football in Antrim is on the crest of a wave thanks to the exploits of the senior mens team and the Saffron girls will be hoping they can capitalise on that and use it to power them towards a provincial title.
However, the Oak Leafers now have the experience to match their talent and it's a case of unfinished business for Derry as they bid to make that All-Ireland breakthrough. They should have enough here to see off what is sure to be another stoic Antrim challenge.
This weekend's Ulster Ladies Football Finals Fixtures
TG4 Ulster Intermediate Final
Saturday July 4 at Athletic Grounds Armagh (7.00pm)
Cavan v Fermanagh
Referee- Gavin Corrigan (Down)
TG4 Ulster Junior Final
Sunday July 5 at Breffni Park, Cavan (1.45pm)
Antrim v Derry
Referee - Michael West (Monaghan)
TG4 Ulster Senior Final
Sunday July 5 at Breffni Park, Cavan (3.30pm)
Monaghan v Tyrone
Referee - Terry McShea (Donegal)
