Issue link: http://digitaleditions.uberflip.com/i/1141648
22 | SPRING 2019 | www.ladiesgaelic.ie Preview CHAMPIONSHIP TG4 INTERMEDIATE CHAMPIONSHIP MONICA McGUIRK Shot-stopper supreme McGuirk (27) performed heroics to get Meath into a Lidl NFL Division 3 final this year, before she gave another stunning performance in their big win over Sligo. The Duleek/ Bellewstown goalkeeper was awarded with a place in the Lidl Division 3 Team of the League and will look to improve on her side's disappointing Leinster IFC Final loss to Wexford. LORNA FUSCIARDI The dynamic Wicklow defender was named at wing-back in the Lidl Division 3 Team of the League. She suffered a heart-breaking defeat with Foxrock-Cabinteely in the All-Ireland club final before the start of 2019, but that didn't hinder her performances in Division 3 of the Lidl NFL. Fusciardi helped Wicklow to a mid-table finish before she suffered more disappointment in Leinster. Wicklow will be desperate for an improvement. EMMA DUGGAN Duggan was picked at centre-forward in the Lidl Division 3 Team of the League, in a breakthrough season for Dunboyne sensation. The Meath centre forward scored 1-2 in the Lidl NFL Division 3 final. She was a standout in the Leinster Intermediate decider where she hit 1-5 but couldn't prevent her team from losing. AISHLING MOLONEY One of the best forwards around, Aishling Moloney, was named at wing-forward in the Lidl Division 1 Team of the League. She scored 2-9 when Tipperary shocked eventual Lidl NFL Division 1 champions Cork at Páirc Uí Rinn earlier in the campaign. The Cahir forward was also in devastating form during the TG4 Munster Intermediate Championship, as Tipp got their hands on provincial silverware. NIAMH O'DEA Clare have relied heavily on the exploits of Niamh O'Dea. The 25-year-old Kilfenora dual- star was named at full-forward in the Lidl Division 2 Team of the League. She has been immense in both codes, but couldn't prevent her county falling to an impressive Tipperary in the TG4 Munster Intermediate decider. t the League. Due to a year away from the squad, she didn't feature in last year's disappointing defeat to Dublin in the TG4 All-Ireland SFC final. But she was immense as Cork won back their Lidl NFL title earlier this season. The 22-year-old Beara star has now won three Division 1 titles but was only part of Cork's extended panel when they lifted the Brendan Martin Cup in 2016. KAREN GUTHRIE Named at wing-forward in the Lidl Division 1 Team of the League, Donegal's forward is an inspiration on and off the field. She scored 0-4 for Donegal in their brilliant 5-12 to 1-9 victory over Armagh at Clones recently, and will be a huge player going forward, if the Ulster champions convert that form onto the national stage. AIMEE MACKIN Star forward Aimee Mackin featured at wing-forward in the Lidl Division 2 Team of the League. She is widely recognised as one of the most gifted players in the game. Although Armagh came up short against Donegal, she gave another quality display at St Tiernach's Park after her return to the team following injury. MICHELLE RYAN Ryan was picked at picked at centre-forward in the Lidl Division 2 Team of the League. She has been a target in the Waterford forward line for years, and she scored 1-1 to help her county to a wonderful Lidl NFL Division 2 crown this season. ORLA FINN One of the most prolific forwards in the game, Finn scored 0-4 while Cork reclaimed their TG4 Munster crown in June. She was chosen at corner-forward in the Lidl Division 1 Team of the League. The 27-year-old Kinsale ace bagged 0-5 and the player of the match award in the Division 1 final victory over Galway. Below: Lorna Fusciardi of Wicklow, receiving her Division 3 award from Marie Hickey, LGFA President, and Sian Gray, Head of Marketing, Lidl Ireland.