Issue link: http://digitaleditions.uberflip.com/i/1302727
www.ladiesgaelic.ie | AUTUMN 2020 | 11 09 MONAGHAN MANAGER: Ciaran Murphy 2019 FINISH: Beat Westmeath in relegation play-off. PROSPECTS: Monaghan needed a play-off against Westmeath to avoid relegation to the Intermediate grade last year – but the threat of dropping ranks doesn't apply this year and the Farney girls can play with freedom. They'd won three of their five fixtures in Division 2 of the Lidl National League but playing Championship football against Tipperary and Galway represents a serious test of their credentials. 10 TYRONE MANAGER: Gerry Moane 2019 FINISH: Beaten All- Ireland quarter-finalists. PROSPECTS: Having captured the Intermediate title in 2018, Tyrone were extremely competitive on their return to the senior ranks last year. They ran Mayo to three points and beat Donegal to emerge from Group 4 of the Championship – before running into Cork at the quarter-final stage. Heavily beaten recently by Armagh in Ulster, they meet the Orchard County again in the first round of the championship, before thoughts turn once more to Mayo. 11 ARMAGH MANAGER: Ronan Murphy 2019 FINISH: Beaten All-Ireland quarter- finalists. PROSPECTS: Armagh showed excellent recent form against Tyrone in the TG4 Ulster semi-final – and they'll fancy a repeat victory in the first round of the All-Ireland series. Caroline O'Hanlon continues to be a key player for them, while Aimee Mackin's return to fitness and scoring form is another huge plus. Could be the team to watch in a group that also contains Mayo. 12 CAVAN MANAGER: James Daly 2019 FINISH: Beat Westmeath in relegation play-off. PROSPECTS: Cavan beat Armagh in the group stages last year and saw off Westmeath to preserve senior status. There's some serious individual talent in the Breffni ranks but being pitted with Munster teams Cork and Kerry in the All-Ireland series is no easy feat. James Daly is an astute manager with bags of inter- county experience and he'll have Cavan well prepared. SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW Top Left: Caitlin Kennedy of Tipperary during the 2020 Lidl Ladies National Football League Div 1 Round 2 match between Tipperary and Cork Above: Aileen Wall of Waterford during the Lidl Ladies National Football League Division 1 Round 3 match between Mayo and Waterford