In the lead up to the 2020 Senior Championship Final (Gers v Brides) we get the views of leading players from other clubs around the county.
Louth Captain Aoife Byrne feels there is little to choose between the sides;
It’s a hard one call! We played the Gers in the group stages in Louth Village. It was a very tough game. Fast paced and lots of good football. It was a low scoring game with no goals conceded on either side. We both defended well on the day and forced scores further out the pitch. Gers got a few from frees and if you foul within the scoring zone you can be almost certain Rebecca Carr will pop them over all day long. She’s very clinical in front of the nets and the brides will have to stop this to limit scores. They move at pace from the full back line and the majority of the ball goes through Rebecca at midfield. The Brides on the other hand are a very well managed and physical team. They have lots of talent upfront who can take scores also and I have no doubt Fra will have his homework done and the Brides will certainly put up a serious fight.
The famous words “Winning becomes a habit” is so true. When you start winning games, the confidence and belief are there. The Brides who a lot of people would have seen as the under dogs in the semis have proven in their last few games they mean business. Likewise the Gers who are also on a winning streak and are heading for another county championship. The question is “Will the experience of last year give them that extra little bit they might need this Saturday?”
The Gers have an excellent defence and will force turnovers all day long. Their pace when the ball is won through the centre into the forward line is excellent and the majority of the ball goes through Rebecca and her scoring tally all year has been excellent. They have lots of other forwards who are capable of scoring also. The Brides have lots of talent upfront too with the McArdle sisters, the Fagan sisters and Amy McNally. It will be a great battle.
Rebecca is a top class player and every team going out to play the Geraldines know this. As I said before her free taking is clinical and the Brides mustn’t foul within the scoring zone.
I think it will be an epic final. The Geraldines will be going in as favourites as reining county champions and the Brides have nothing to lose. Best wishes to both teams on the day and may the best team win.
Cooley star Eibhlin Rice is anticipating a close affair:
I think its going to be a tight affair with both teams playing different styles of football, Geraldines tend to play a lot of ball through the hands whereas, from what I’ve seen of them, the Brides play more direct with a lot of long ball into their forwards so should be interesting to see how the teams try to counteract each other.
Midfield is likely to be one of the most decisive battles as both teams are very strong in there.
The Brides will need to keep Rebecca Carr from scoring too much as she is probably the Gers most important player, however they also have very good support play and play good football off the shoulder so no doubt we will see other players step up if needed.
Aimee McNally played a stormer on Sunday against the Mochtas and if she can keep that form up she will be difficult to stop, leading a very pacey Brides forward line who put a lot of scores on the board in the semi-final.
I expect it to be a high scoring game and I think it will be a tightly contested final. The Geraldines will fancy themselves for two in a row but the Brides no doubt have the ability to put up a strong fight.
Roisin Maguire (St Kevins) believes Geraldines greater balance of experience and youth will see the Haggardstown club retain their title.
The way they turn the ball over and play it out of the defence is outstanding, it kills the opposition every game especially when the defenders join the attack. Rebecca Carr has been on form and will be really difficult to stop especially playing alongside Lauren McFaul. They’re a really strong midfield who knows when to attack and drop back which has been instrumental for them.
If Brides are to win they need to go out all guns blazing, they have extremely talented players and need to use them to the best of their ability. They have come through some tough games which have been character building. Amy McNally has serious speed and is an excellent link player, as well as the two McArdles, Bronagh and Emma who are lethal in front of the goals.
A strong performance is necessary and with the likes of Ellen McBride coming off the bench The Brides might just have what it takes.
Orla Brennan (St Fechins) on the Senior final;
I’m looking forward to watching the ladies Senior Final on Saturday. Having played the Gers in the group stages, they are a well organised, fighting team. They displayed great composure on the ball and were clinical in their decision making. They have been consistent this year in their performance. The Brides are in great form this year, with very high scorelines throughout their championship campaign. The Brides showed great determination and stamina in the semi final with the winning point played in the fourth minute of added time. With both teams having a number of outstanding players, I believe it will come down to the day to decide which team will be champions.
It’s a great initiative from the county board to stream the finals on Facebook. I have been thoroughly enjoying them with the commentating. I will be in front of my laptop this Saturday, for what will be an exciting, skillful display of football.
Maria Reid Mattock Rangers and ex Louth player view;
It’s the Geraldines fourth Senior final in five seasons which is a remarkable return. They overcame Roche Emmetts by four points last Sunday. Rebecca Carr is the key player of the team, her scoring tallies have been very impressive. St.Brides will have their work cut out but if they can stop her running straight at goal, they will be in with a good chance. St.Brides semi final one point victory over near neighbours St.Mochtas will no doubt stand to them and their tails will be up. Amy McNally is also dynamite for St.Brides and she will be hard stopped. Prediction: Geraldines.
St. Patricks defender Anna Whyte believes that Geraldines will be hard to beat;
The Brides have the fire power to make life difficult for the current champions. Gers are a very strong outfit and they still have the hunger and would be looking to do the double after winning the championship last year. The Brides have a really strong set up in the forwards, with Aimee McNally, Bronagh and Emma McArdle hard to stop once they get going.
