WATCH: Long-range free sets new limits for ladies football

By Mary White

The kicking skills-set of ladies footballers is on the rise.

The talents of All-Star-winning free takers Cora Staunton of Mayo, Valerie Mulcahy of Cork and Kerry legend Geraldine O'Shea have been well documented over the last decade, however there's a new generation in town, who are striking the ball with more power than ever before.

In last Saturday's Intermediate All-Ireland quarter-final clash between Waterford and Sligo in Birr, centre-forward Marie Delahunty of the Déise knocked over a free, off the ground, two metres outside the 45.

The Abbeyside player was playing at centre-forward for Pat O'Sullivan's side, whose management team includes former Cork senior selector Noel O'Connor.

It's extremely rare for female players to score from 45s, however Delahunty's strike outside the 45 was captured by GAA video journalist, Jerome Quinn.

Delahunty wasn't the only player whose kicking skills were on show, however, with Kerry's Maria Quirke also kicking over a 45 in the Kingdom's win against Mayo at the Gaelic Grounds.

Kerry's Maria Quirke. File photo.

Although scored with the aid of a light breeze, it's not the first time the Na Gaeil club defender has scored a 45, having also registered one in the 2014 Munster Senior Football Championship final against Cork in Rathmore.

This weekend the TG4 Senior All-Ireland Championship sees Ulster champions Donegal take on Armagh in Clones at 12.30pm, while 2014 All-Ireland finalists Dublin will face the 2013 finalists Monaghan at 2.15pm. Both games will be broadcast live by TG4.