It’s going to be a cracker!
The wait is nearly over as Dublin and Armagh prepare to go head-to-head in the hugely anticipated TG4 All-Ireland semi-final.
Leinster champions Dublin will take on the Orchard County in the second game of a ladies GAA double header at Parnell Park tomorrow, and to say a feast of football is in store for spectators is an understatement.
Caroline O’Hanlon in action.
Armagh come into the game off the back of a fantastic display against Ulster champions Donegal in the quarter-final and will be hoping the road to Croker is paved with orange and white as they prepare to take on the capital.
They will be looking to stalwart Caroline O’Hanlon and the hugely impressive Aimee Mackin and Kelly Mallon to drive them to victory, while the talented Aoife Lennon is also expected to have a big impact on the game.
However, this pacey Dublin side will not be ones to lie down easily, and will be hungry to get back to Croke Park for the second year in a row, after bowing out in last year’s final against a rampant Cork.
Armagh’s Aimee Mackin.
New stars have been born in the Dublin team this year, with Olwen Carey a standout performer in the back line and the dual force of Molly Lamb and Sinead Goldrick at midfield is certainly not one to take lightly.
As usual, players to look to for the Dubs will be Noelle Healy and Lyndsey Davey, while the extremely talented Carla Rowe is one Armagh will have to keep a close eye on.
Dublin’s Lyndsey Davey
Set to be a tense and closely-fought encounter, it’s certainly a tough one to call, but one thing we know for certain is that it’s definitely not one to miss, with a 2pm throw-in at Parnell Park.
Preceding that will be the intermediate All-Ireland semi-final showdown between near neighbours Kildare and Offaly.
Recently-regraded Kildare have been making quite a mark on this year’s Intermediate championship and will be hoping that all roads lead to Croke Park for them when they take on the Faithful at 12.15pm.
Kildare star Aisling Holton
These sides have already met earlier this year in the Leinster final, which Kildare eventually won after a fantastic scoring display from Offaly.
Aisling Savage leads the way in the back line, with Aisling Holton determined to lead the Lily Whites, and Maria Moolick will be a threat to any defence.
However, Offaly will be ready for them once more, and will take their 2013 All-Ireland junior win and experience into the game, and will be boosted by their Division 4 title win and their performance in the Leinster final.
Offaly’s Mairead Daly
Key players to watch will be Siobhan Flannery, Róisín Egan and sharp shooter Mairead Daly.
With both teams boasting an impressive line-up up front, this should be a game with scores aplenty and essentially, a right ding dong of a contest.
Again, another unmissable encounter in what is proving to be a hugely entertaining and enthralling 2015 championship.
