Cork v Laois, Parnell Park (Dublin), 5.15 (E. O’Hare)

Both teams came through their respective semi-finals relatively unscathed and have full panels to choose from. Cork make the trip to Donnycarney in the familiar role of defending champions as they chase their 4th successive league title. Laois on the other hand had an indifferent start to the league before coming strong at the end so they have nothing to lose and will make the most of their opportunity. This is their first league final since 2003 where they also faced Munster opposition, Kerry and where they won. Such an outcome this time will require a huge performance and the smart money will be on the Rebellettes. They will prove especially hard to beat if they can maintain the form that saw off Donegal by an unrelenting 24 points in the semi-final. That was a Donegal team that had form and that had taken scalps. But it was the other semi-final that attracted all the headlines as the O’Moore county beat the undefeated Monaghan by 2-11 to 1-10. On that day the in form Tracey Lawlor hit 0-6 and they will look to her again. But Joe Higgins and his selectors will also be happy that the strength of their panel has been tried and tested, as the five substitutes made in the semi-final were what ultimately took them over the line. For Cork, they will certainly be looking to those in numbers 10 to 15 and especially to Valerie Mulcahy to bring the title Leeside once again. All six of the Cork starting forwards scored against Donegal and a similar feat on Saturday should see them over the line.

CORK: E. Harte, A.M. Walsh, A. Walsh, D. O’Reilly, B. Corkery, B. Stack, A. Sheehan, J. Murphy, A. Walsh, N. Cleary, O. Farmer, G. Kearney, V. Mulcahy, R. Ní Bhuachalla, A. O Shea (c).

LAOIS: C. Dollard, A. Quigley (c), G. Dunne, E. Healy, A. Taylor, L. Hyland, J. Moore, A. Casey, T. Lawlor, M. Kirwan, A. Moore, D. Callinan, M. Kirwan, S. Doogue, G. Weston.

Bord Gáis Energy Ladies National Football League Div 4 Final 30/04/2011

Westmeath v Roscommon, Cusack Park (Clare), 4.35, (S. Joy)
The danger with semi-finals is an upset or two but it is fitting that the two best teams in Division 4 emerged unscathed from their respective matches and now face off in Ennis. Westmeath are actually competing for their first ever National League title having reached the final unbeaten, while Roscommon are looking to add to the Division 3 title they won in 2009, with only one loss to their name this year. That loss was at the hands of the Lake County when they conceded 0-17 but scoring two goals meant they only lost by five. Apart from this loss, the Rossies have been very consistent all year under the guidance of Benny Morris. They are still without Feena Byrne and Niamh Ward who are both out with long term injuries but will be looking to Natalie McHugh to once again pull the strings from the forty, while a goal or two from Cliodhna McHugh would do their chances no harm at all. For Westmeath, captain Elaine Finn, Ruth Kearney and Karen Hegarty have been in superb form leading the way with fine individual performances and their form could dictate whether or not history is made on Saturday.  

ROSCOMMON: B. Menton, M. Keenehan, A. Egan, C. Kelly, L. Sharkey (c), M. Walsh, L. Tully, M. Candon, S. Cooney, C. Grehan, N. McHugh, S. Ryan, J. Downey, S. Finnerty, C. McHugh

WESTMEATH: G. Leahy, A. Martin, T. Durkan, C. Finch, A. Brady, J. Rodgers, K. Boyce, M-A Foley, R. Kearney, L. Walsh, E. Morris, E. Finn (c), K. Hegarty, F. Claffey, K. Summers

Bord Gáis Energy Ladies National Football League Division 1, Semi-Finals

Cork v Donegal, Tuam Stadium, 2.00, (K Tighe)
With the exception of a shock defeat at the hands of Monaghan in Round 3, Cork have been simply devastating during this year's league campaign. Standing between the Rebelletes and a fourth League Final in a row are last year's Division 2 Champions Donegal who have had an encouraging campaign in the top flight with star forward Geraldine McLaughlin in particular making her mark on the league.

Eamon Boyle's charges will be well aware of the challenge that lies ahead however, as they were on the wrong side of a 25 points drubbing when they met Cork in Round 4. It is difficult to see this tie not going the way of the Leesiders but if Donegal can keep Valerie Mulcahy relatively quite and can get good ball into McLaughlin and Yvonne McMonagle then they may stand a chance.

Bord Gáis Energy Ladies National Football League Division 1, Semi-Finals

Monaghan v Laois, Ballymahon, Longford, 3.00, (MJ O'Keeffe)
Only a point separated these two sides at the final whistle in Round 6 suggesting we could be in for another thrilling game of football. With Laois shipping goals in all but one of their games this year, the Monaghan forwards and the McAnespies twins and Therese McNally in particular, will be keen to exploit this perceived weakness in Joe Higgins' side.

After being denied by Cork last year at the same stage and after an unbeaten run of seven games this year, it would be cruel for Monaghan to miss out again. But Laois will have no intention of making up the numbers and with Tracey Lawlor and Martha Kirwan showing good form again this year, it will be another close game with both teams fancying their chances.

Bord Gáis Energy Ladies National Football League Division 2, Semi-Finals

Dublin v Cavan, Ardee, 5.00, (J Niland)
Revenge will be on the Dublin menu as they take on Cavan, the only team to have beaten them in this year's campaign. More importantly though, they will want a quick return to the top flight at the firs time of asking. But they have been hampered in their preparations with injuries to key players Mary Nevin and Amy McGuinness. Cavan know they have the beating of the Jackies and if Aisling Doonan can repeat the performance she had against the Dubs in Round 4 then anything could happen. Without doubt another fascinating game awaits us.

Bord Gáis Energy Ladies National Football League Division 2, Semi-Finals

Kerry v Meath, Cahir, Tipperary, 2.00, (G Corrigan)
Kerry suffered their first loss of the league in Round 7 against Dublin which meant a semi-final date with Meath. It was a tight game when these two sides met in February with Kerry making the most of the home advantage winning by two points.

They will know better than to underestimate Meath who have the highest scoring rate in the Division thanks to the calibre of forwards like Grainne Nulty and Gillian Bennett. But there are question marks over the fitness of Geraldine Doherty and Eileen Rahill and this may count against them as they look to beat the Kingdom.

Cork v Tyrone, Cork IT, 12.00 (K Delahunty)
A last minute goal last week from Gemma Begley secured Division One status for Tyrone for another year and left them one win away from the semi-finals. So it is all in their own hands. But they will have their work cut out for them achieving that goal as they take on the top scoring team in the league, Cork, who have been very impressive throughout the league campaign. But the Leesiders already have a place in the last four secured and this might give Tyrone a chance. However there is also the little matter of revenge and the 2010 League Champions will be slow to forget how Tyrone dumped them out of last year's Championship.

Monaghan v Donegal, St Mellans Park, 2.00 (E O'Hare)
Both of these sides had very tight wins last weekend against Leinster opposition and they will relish the chance of playing each other ahead of the semi-finals. Monaghan are six from six but needed a last minute point from Catriona McConnell last week to sneak past Laois by a point. An unbeaten run into the semi-finals would do their confidence the world of good. But there is incentive for Donegal too – a win for them coupled with a Cork win over Tyrone would mean they avoid Cork in the semis – and following their 5-17 to 0-7 mauling earlier in the season to Cork, they will be very keen to avoid the Rebelettes.

Kildare v Mayo, Ballykelly, 2.00 (K Tighe)
Relegation bound Mayo take on Kildare in their last game as a Division 1 team for at least twelve months. The Westerners gave a gutsy performance against Tyrone last time out losing by 2 points with Cora Staunton giving a master class display with a tally of 1-7. Kildare sit second from bottom but with fellow relegation candidates Laois and Galway meeting in O'Moore Park, the Lilywhites know that a win will see them safe for another year. They had an impressive win over Laois in the opening round but have failed to gain any kind of form since then but Noelle Earley and Ashling Holton could provide inspiration this weekend in Ballykelly. For both sides this is an opportunity to finish their league campaigns strong as they look to build momentum for the summer's Championship.

Laois v Galway, O'Moore Park, 2.00 (D McEnery)
The calculator could be needed for this one as a win for either team could secure a semi-final spot, but coupled with results elsewhere a loss could also see either of them relegated to Division 2. Galway are in greater need of the win as they have fewer points but Laois are the ones coming into the game with form on their side. Last time out they pushed unbeaten Monaghan to the wire before losing by a single point. Maureen Young was in good form scoring a well taken goal and they will be looking to her and Tracey Lawlor to secure their status and maybe even secure a date with the table toppers in two weeks time.

Division 1, Round 6 Previews

Donegal v Kildare, O'Donnell Park, 2.00, (J Niland)

This is a crucial game for both sides but for vastly different reasons. Donegal remain just three points behind top of the table Monaghan and will be looking to push for a home semi-final with two wins in their final two games, while Kildare can ease the pressure of relegation with a much needed win. Kildare will be encouraged by the number of points conceded by Donegal's defence this year but will need to be wary of the Donegal attack with the likes of young Geraldine McLaughlin in superb scoring form, scoring 10-9 in Donegal's five League games to date.

Laois v Monaghan, O'Moore Park, 2.00, (K Delahunty)

Monaghan currently sit on top of the Division 1 table with five wins from five but they have both Donegal and Cork hot on their heels. But a win this weekend will most likely ensure a home semi-final for the Farney girls and they will be looking to Catriona McConnell to inspire them once again following her 1-6 last time out against Galway. Laois who currently lie fourth would do their own chances of a semi-final spot the world of good with a win at home, but they will be up against it.

Tyrone v Mayo, Eskra, 2.00, (G Corrigan)

This is the typical relegation six pointer as Mayo travel to Tyrone on Sunday with both teams continuing to struggle in the bottom two. Winless Mayo look certain to be relegated but will look to make the most of their last two competitive games ahead of the championship. Tyrone have been boosted by the recent return from injury of Joline Donnelly and know that a win, with favourable results elsewhere, could see them leap frog Kildare and Galway in the table.

Galway v Cork, Mountbellew, 2.30, (M Kenny)

Galway pushed Monaghan hard last time out and can count themselves unlucky not to have got something from the game with Barbara Hannon in fine form. Results this weekend could see Galway climb into the semi-final places or drop down in the relegation zone and that fact will not be lost on Gay O'Brien's charges. But they also know that they must first overcome Cork who are coming into form with fine wins over Mayo, Donegal and Laois recently and who incidentally beat Galway in last year's Division 1 decider.

Bord Gáis Energy Ladies National Football League Division 1, Round 5 Previews 13th March

Laois v Cork, O’Moore Park, 2.00, (D McEnery)

Cork have bounced back impressively from their Round 3 defeat to Monaghan and are now motoring well. As a result a tough challenge lies ahead of Laois as the Rebelettes travel to O’Moore Park looking to build further momentum from their comprehensive win over Donegal. Laois are currently lying in mid table with two wins and two losses in the opening rounds and they will need to produce the performance of the season if they are to challenge this Cork side.

Donegal v Mayo, Fr Tierney Park, Ballyshannon, 2.00, (S McIntyre)

Donegal play host to a bottom of the table Mayo desperate to put points on the board. In Round 4 Mayo played well but lost by three to neighbours Galway and they will need to step up another couple of gears if they are to take points off Donegal. However Eamon Boyle’s team are still reeling from their first loss of the year, a 25 point demolition at the hands of Cork and with Cora Staunton lining out for Mayo, anything is possible.

Galway v Monaghan, Mountbellew, 2.00, (J Niland)

Top of the table Monaghan play Galway this weekend in Moutbellew, with the Farney county looking to continue their 100% start. They have been very impressive this season with a superb victory over Cork standing out. Galway picked up their first win of the campaign last week against local rivals Mayo and will be hoping home advantage can play its part as they try to rein in the Monaghan forwards who have all been in fine scoring form this season.

Kildare v Tyrone, Ballykelly, 2.00, (J Murray)

Kildare entertain Tyrone in Monasterevin this weekend in what promises to be a tight game. Both teams find themselves in the bottom half of the table and will be desperate to pick up points. Tyrone showed flashes of their 2010 form last weekend against Laois but worryingly, they faded in the second half. For Kildare, 2009 All Star Noelle Earley was in fine form last time out against Monaghan, and no doubt Kildare will look to her again for inspiration.

Bord Gáis Energy Ladies National Football League Division 1, Round 4 Previews 6th March 2011
Kildare v Monaghan, Ballykelly, 2.00, (K Tighe)
Monaghan travel to Kildare this weekend looking to make it four wins out of four in Division One. Two weeks ago against Cork, Ciara McAnespie scored the crucial goal but more importantly all six of their forwards were on the score sheet. This is no mean feat against a mean Cork defence and they will be sure to trouble a Kildare backline that has conceded 7 goals in three games. However, the Lilywhites have played good football in their opening rounds including a draw with Galway last time out.

Tyrone v Laois, St Marys Park Beragh, 2.00, (S O'Neill)
Beaten All-Ireland finalists Tyrone host Laois this weekend as both teams try to break out of the bottom half of the table after slow starts. Laois were impressive against Mayo in Round 3 and will be looking to build momentum off the back of that performance. Tyrone on the other hand know that they are better than what they are currently showing but they are leaking goals and this has been their undoing.

Mayo v Galway, Ballindine, 2.00 (L McDonagh)
Having lost their opening three games, Mayo will look to put some points on the board this weekend when they play Galway in Ballindine. Triona McNicholas was in sparkling form last time out scoring two goals against Cork and they will need her and Cora Staunton to continue where they left off if they are to beat their neighbours. Galway have also failed to win a game this season but have drawn two games and have played well in patches.

Cork v Donegal, CIT, 2.00, (P Kehoe)
Donegal are on cloud nine, three games, three wins and 15 goals. But away to Cork, they will face some serious footballers and in particular Annie Walsh, Bríd Stack and midfielder Juliet Murphy who have been in great form. But stopping Valerie Mulcahy will be the top priority for Donegal. But the Rebelettes will be just as concerned with Yvonne McMonagle. A fascinating contest awaits.

Preview - Bord Gáis Energy Ladies National Football League Division 1, Round 1 (Rescheduled) 26th/27th February

Cork v Mayo, CIT, 2.00, (K Delahunty)  27th February 2011
Postponed originally due to bad weather, this match features two teams still looking for form. In Cork's two games, Valerie Mulcahy has been the star but the Rebelettes have otherwise been inconsistent. They opened up with a fine win against Kildare but followed that up with a disappointing loss to Monaghan last week. Mayo have no wins from two games under new manager James Taniane and will be the more anxious of the two, facing as they do a Cork team playing at home for the first time this year and still smarting from their loss to Monaghan.

Bord Gáis Energy Ladies National Football League – Division 3, Round 1 (Rescheduled)

Limerick v Fermanagh, Ahane, 2.00, (S O hEithir) Match fixed for Saturday 26th February 2011

Bord Gáis Energy Ladies National Football League – Division 4, Round 1 (Rescheduled) 27th February 2011

Kilkenny v Westmeath, Thomastown, 1.00, (J Flood)
Roscommon v Louth, Kiltoom, 2.00, (M Moran)

Bord Gáis Energy Ladies National Football League Division 1, Round 3 Previews – Sunday 20th February 2011

Kildare v Galway, Ballykelly, 2.00, (J Flood)
Can the real Galway please stand up! Last year's efficient 2010 model has been replaced by the 2011 vintage which has taken its time to motor. A last minute goal earned them a draw last week against Tyrone and Gay O'Brien will be hoping that this will kick start their year. But they face a Kildare team that haven't been fazed by a return to Division 1, having scored an impressive 0-15 against Cork and 4-10 against Laois. Home advantage might just swing it in Kildare's favour.

Mayo v Laois, Ballyheane, 2.00, (J Niland)
Mayo lost to Monaghan last week and while losing to a fine Monaghan team is by no means a cause for concern, the margin of 11 points while playing at home did raise some eyebrows. At home again this week, they face a Laois team that pushed Donegal hard last week with two goals from debutant Maureen Young, but Laois have been leaking goals at the other end – nine conceded in two games. Mayo will be confident of a first win of the campaign.

Tyrone v Donegal, Drumragh, 2.00, (B Henry)
The big question for Tyrone is what impact last week's late draw with Galway will have had. 5 points up with only 15 minutes remaining and 3 up with the game all but over. A goal with the last kick of the game was a cruel way to end a game they controlled for large parts with Gemma Begley in fine form (0-5). Tyrone need a performance but Donegal won't roll over as they are brimming with confidence with two wins under their belts and with their forwards scoring for fun.

Monaghan v Cork, Emyvale, 2.00, (K Tighe)
Monaghan have started the year brilliantly, scoring 5-27 in their two wins. Catriona McConnell is again the one to watch but she was ably supported last day out against Mayo by Grainne McNally with two goals to her name. Cork come into this game with only one game under their belts but that included 5 goals and a personal tally of 3-3 for Valerie Mulcahy. A perfect test for both teams to see where they really are.

Bord Gáis Energy Ladies National Football League Division 1, Round 2 Previews

Donegal v Laois, Ballyshannon, 2.00, (T McSorley)

Despite going 4 points behind early on last week at home to Galway, Donegal recovered brilliantly to register a 4-13 to 2-9 win against the 2010 Division 1 Finalists. Laois were not so fortunate in their opening match of the year when they lost at home to Kildare by 9 points. With Donegal playing at home again and with Yvonne McMonagle and Geraldine McLaughlin back to last years superb form, another win for Eamon O'Boyle's team appears on the cards.

Mayo v Monaghan, Claremorris, 2.00, (PJ Rabbitte)

The weather intervened last week so this is Mayo's first outing in 2011. New manager James Taniane and captain Fiona McHale undoubtedly just want football to put the woes on 2010 behind them. But they face a Monaghan team fresh from a 13 point demolition of Tyrone. Mayo will want to be wary of the very impressive Catriona McConnell but if they can limit her influence they have a chance.

Kildare v Cork, Ballykelly, 2.00, (D McEnery)

In their first match back in Division 1, Laois managed to put four goals past a hapless Laois team away from home. But while playing away from home to Leinster Finalists Laois will have been tricky, playing Cork anywhere is the acid test for any team in Ladies Football. Cork will either be well rested or over cooked after last weekend's postponement but you can expect it to be the former.

Tyrone v Galway, O'Neill Park, 2.00, (E O'Hare)

An interesting match up this, the 2010 Division 1 Finalists against the 2010 All Ireland Finalists. Both teams lost last weekend but you imagine that with only 0-7 to their name against Monaghan, Tyrone have most to worry about. Galway on the other hand, scored 2-9 against an impressive Donegal team and were quick out of the blocks with a goal and a point. If Tyrone can keep Galway quiet early on, it could be a tight one.

Bord Gáis Energy Ladies National Football League - Division 2, Round 2

Meath v Armagh, Donaghmore, 12.00, (T Lennon)
Waterford v Sligo, Fraher Field, 2.00, (MJ O'Keeffe)
Tipperary v Dublin, JK Bracken, 12.30, (J Flood)
Cavan v Kerry, St Aiden's, 12.00, (S McIntyre)

Bord Gáis Energy Ladies National Football League - Division 3, Round 2

Leitrim v Clare, Ballinamore, 2.00, (Y Duffy) Match fixed for Saturday 12th February 2011
Fermanagh v Wicklow, Brookeborough, 2.00, (M Henry)
Down v Limerick, Saval, 2.00, (G Treanor)
Wexford v Longford, Wexford Park, 2.00, (K Martin)

Bord Gáis Energy Ladies National Football League - Division 4, Round 2

Antrim v Offaly, St Mary's Grammar School, Belfast, 2.00, (B McCallion)
Westmeath v Derry, Kinnegad, 2.00, (D Kearney)
Carlow v Louth, Tinryland, 2.00, (M Duffy)
Roscommon v Kilkenny, Kiltoom, 2.00, (M Kenny

Donegal v Galway, Bundoran, 2.00, (J Niland)

Donegal will be keen to back up last year's Division 2 success with a solid campaign in 2011 and while playing at home in their first match is how they would have wanted to start, beating last year's Division 1 Finalists is a tough ask. Galway were very consistent last year under Gay O'Brien remaining unbeaten throughout the League until coming up short against Cork in the Final and they will be hoping for more of the same this year.

Laois v Kildare, Park Ratheniska, 2.00, (K Tighe)

Under Joe Higgins in 2010, Laois had a more than solid season. A consistent league campaign was backed up by a Leinster Final appearance and eventual All Star Awards for Lorraine Muckian and Tracey Lawor. Facing last year's Division 2 runners up Kildare at home won't faze them but they will need to keep a close eye on Tracey Noone in particular.

Cork v Mayo, Mallow, 2.00, (K Delahunty)

Both teams have high ambitions for 2011 after a disappointing 2010 for both. Mayo were of course rocked by controversy off the pitch and while Cork won the Division 1 title last year they were later rocked by Tyrone in the Championship. 2011 will be all about redemption for both and it should make for a fascinating duel.

Monaghan v Tyrone, Emyvale, 2.00, (G Corrigan)

Monaghan have been very patient lately - stars of the 90's but no Division 1 title since '99 and will be hoping to go at least one step further than last year's Semi-Final. Tyrone and their attack in particular were one of the stand out stories from 2010. Gemma Begly and the Donnelly sisters, Cathy and Joline terrorised all around and Tyrone will be hoping for more of the same in 2011.

Bord Gáis Energy Ladies National Football League - Division 2, Round 1

Dublin v Armagh, Fingallians, 12.00, (P Kehoe)
Sligo v Cavan, Coola Shamrocks Gaels, 2.00, (T McShea)
Waterford v Meath, Walsh Park, 2.00, (M Doherty)
Kerry v Tipperary, Beaufort, 12.30, (M.J O'Keeffe)

Bord Gáis Energy Ladies National Football League - Division 3, Round 1

Clare v Down, Cooraclare, 2.00, (R O'Connor)
Limerick v Fermangh, Croagh, 2.00, (K Martin)
Leitrim v Wexford, Ballinamore, 2.00, (L McDonagh)
Longford v Wicklow, Leo Casey Park, 2.00, (M Farrelly)

Bord Gáis Energy Ladies National Football League - Division 4, Round 1

Roscommon v Louth, Kiltoom, 2.00, (M Moran)
Carlow v Offaly, Tinryland, 2.00, (D McKittrick)
Derry v Antrim, Faughanvale, 2.00, (E O'Kane)
Kilkenny v Westmeath, Urlingford, 2.00, (J Flood)