Midfield battle could determine outcome

Cavan ladies take on Donegal ladies in what promises to be a superb Ulster final showdown in Clones this Sunday. The management team of Adrian McGovern (manager), Sean Feeney from Killeshandra (selector) and Caroline Crowe (trainer) have left no stone unturned to ensure their charges perform to their full potential. Lily Reilly from Lacken is a member of the backroom staff. Cavan beat Antrim last week in the Ulster semi-final and are familiar with the new Clones pitch, as they have also trained there. While going to press the Cavan team had not been selected but players of the calibre of Karen Baxter from Templeport, who plays in goal is sure to start, together with talented defenders like Ciara Reilly from Inny Gaels, and Renee Murphy from Lavey, who is having a great year in the blue jersey. Other superb defenders are Grainne McGlade from the Aughawillian club and a native of Arva.Another great defender Donna English from Arva who won an All Star playing at full back for DCU is unfortunately injured with a broken thumb. Those who have distinguished themselves in the midfield zone in the campaign to date are Clare Murtagh from Kingscourt and Rosie Crowe. Pamela Crowe in the half forward line is the captain of the team and comes from Drung. Brid Boylan from Butlersbridge is also flying this year, as are Aisling Doonan at corner forward and Bronagh Sheridan and Roisin O'Keeffe from Lacken. Adrian McGovern, who had been managing the Templeport ladies team for 16 years prior to becoming the Cavan ladies team manager, pointed out that their opposition on Sunday, Donegal, have just won the National League Div.2 title and have returned to Div.1. Adrian took Templeport from Div.4 to Div.1. They have a competitive midfield, a fine centre half forward and an excellent full forward. Adrian revealed that both teams have good forwards and he believes the Donegal defence is somewhat suspect in the heat of battle. Whoever wins the midfield battle could well determine the outcome of this game. Cavan are the current Div.3 champions and have been elevated to Div.2. "It should be a great game and I'm really looking forward to it. We have a lot of training under our belts - Caroline Crowe came in at the beginning of the year and she has brought a new lease of life and focus to the training sessions. The team has done a lot of speed and agility work and are very fit and ready for this challenge," said Adrian. "The team are confident going into this game. They have great belief in their own ability and they all work for each other with great commitment", said Adrain. He thanked the Cavan supporters for their great support to date and he is calling for them to turn up in Clones on Sunday in large numbers to cheer on the girls.