Monaghan unlikely to repel Rebelettes’ four-in-a row march

FOR the all-conquering Cork Ladies Footballers, tomorrow’s TG4 All-Ireland SFC final against Monaghan represents, arguably, the most serious challenge they have had to face in recent years.

However, while they are justifiably favourites to make it four-in-a-row under inspirational coach Eamonn Ryan, they have reason to be wary.

Cork coasted through their semi-against Tyrone, but this came after a less than impressive display against Galway in which Elaine Harte’s goalkeeping and Valerie Mulcahy’s goalscoring proved crucial.

And, while a 4-18 to 0-11 victory reflected the type of response the management looked for – they acknowledge Monaghan’s easy dismissal of Mayo in their semi-final demonstrated that are a formidable combination.

Robbie Griffin, the Kerry manager and TG4 analyst, is expecting a cracking contest

“Will the Monaghan defenders be able to hold the Cork forwards? There is no question about the Monaghan forwards — Niamh Kindlon (the team captain), Ciara McAnespie and Edel Byrne are excellent footballers.

“Cork are ‘a team’ from Elaine Harte up to Deirdre O’Reilly (at left corner-forward). They are so strong they can hurt you. And not alone have they great forwards, but they have girls in the backline driving them forward all the time.’’

Monaghan’s progress is all the more praiseworthy as the management which had charge for the League campaign resigned en bloc about six weeks before the first championship game for ‘personal reasons.’

Niamh Kindlon agrees they were fortunate former manager John McAleer stepped into the breach at short notice and put a management team in place. He had been involved in 2004, when they lost to Kerry in the All-Ireland quarter-final.

Cork’s recent dominance – the result of some notable successes at under-age level over the past decade – is all the more remarkable given they didn’t win their first Munster title until 2004. After that major breakthrough, Cork were put out at the All-Ireland semi-final stage by Mayo but since then they have been unbeaten in championship football. Eleven of the players who played in 2004 game are still involved and, excluding Laura McMahon (cruciate), they will be at full strength.

That means that the multi-talented Valerie Mulcahy is eligible to play after her controversial red-card at the end of the Tyrone game. There’s no doubting the significance of her presence, with a tally of 4-14 to date.

However, as Griffin points out, Cork have been so successful because of the intensity of their teamwork – a tribute to Ryan’s coaching expertise – and central to that is level of skill in the side. Seven of their players won AllStars last year, among them natural leaders like captain Angela Walsh and former skipper Juliet Murphy.

Niamh Kindlon has been a leading player (and captain) for Monaghan for a long time and is certain to be influential. Intriguingly, it looks like she will be marked by dual star Briege Corkery. There is a huge respect for the northerners on the part of the Cork management – if not a sense of anxiety about the outcome – and it is well founded. However, Cork remain the best equipped to take another title – except that it will require them to perform to the peak of their powers.

Verdict: Cork