Another tight affair expected as Éire Óg and Aghada go to battle once more

Sadhbh McGoldrick, Eire Og is chased by Maisie McRae, Aghada in the Cork Credit Unions Senior A ladies football final. Pic: Larry Cummins

Aghada and Éire Óg’s Cork Credit Unions Cork LGFA senior A county final replay should produce plenty of drama and another huge attendance at MTU Cork on Saturday.

Seconds out, round two.

Last weekend’s nerve-shredding 1-7 to 0-10 draw did not have the dramatic ending of the previous year’s encounter decided by free-kicks.

Aghada edged that 2024 final to claim their maiden county senior title. Now, a third high-profile meeting in 24 months remains too close to call between two of Cork’s preeminent clubs.

Appearing in their fifth consecutive senior decider, Éire Óg were leading by a point heading into the dying embers of last Sunday’s clash before a converted Abigail Ring free forced a replay.

Did the Ovens club miss their opportunity? Can Éire Óg’s forward improve on their 10-score feat? 

Will Aghada change their approach or stick to their tried and trusted tactics? Can the champions find the net? How much will tiredness, involving numerous dual players, become a factor?

These questions and more will be answered at MTU Cork where the winners will progress to a Munster LGFA senior A quarter-final away to Comeragh Rangers next weekend.

The replay will not be short of potential match winners with Aghada’s Róisín Phelan, Hannah Looney, Abigail Ring and Rachel Leahy eager to replicate their previous performances.

As for Éire Óg, another all-action Orlaith Cahalane display would go a long way to dethroning the champions. Shauna Cronin, Sadhbh McGoldrick, Jennifer O’Gorman and Ruby Halligan will be just as important to the Ovens club’s chances.

Level seven times in their previous meeting, Saturday’s replay is likely to go right down to the wire once again.

Picking a winner is difficult but Aghada’s experience of getting over the line in close matches could prove the deciding factor.