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6 | AUTUMN 2020 | www.ladiesgaelic.ie Libby Coppinger (Cork) A crucial player in West Cork's recent county final victory against Mourneabbey. Her speed, power and ability to turn on a sixpence make her a real threat in front of goal and very difficult to defend against. While being a dual player might make it difficult to cement a regular starting position, she could still play a crucial role in the team's attack. Anna Rose Kennedy (Tipperary) If she features for Tipperary it will be a big boost for the team, having come back from a lengthy injury. She's a very versatile midfielder who brings a lot of energy to the game and provides excellent support to the players around her. Anna Galvin (Kerry) With a number of retirements of key players after the 2019 season, Kerry will be looking for the experienced and composed leadership that Anna brings to the team. Whether she plays midfield or in the forwards, her power and strength also make her a potent scoring threat. How do you rate the standard of football in the province in recent times? Now that there are four senior intercounty teams competing in the province once again, the standard of football within the province has progressed, making for a much more competitive and enjoyable competition. Kerry, Tipperary & Waterford have successfully challenged Cork in both League and championship matches over recent years and narrowed the gap slightly. It is also clear that the senior club provincial championship is also becoming more competitive each year, despite Cork's dominance in the competition to date. The consistent success of the Cork minor teams further enhances the standard within the province while school teams, featuring Waterford and Tipperary players, have regularly been competing in Lidl PPS A All-Ireland finals over the last number of years, all of which shows great promise. Michelle Ryan gives her thoughts .... Cork, Kerry, Waterford and Tipperary are the Munster teams who will compete in the 2020 TG4 All-Ireland Senior Championship. What team do you think has the capability to go furthest in the competition? This year has more potential for major upsets than any other year due to the unpredictability of the times, the affect that the stop-start year might have had on preparations, and player availability. A single slip-up can effectively end a season after it has barely begun. Waterford and Kerry appear to have the tougher of the groups and will have it all to do to qualify. Tipperary always prove difficult opposition and they have the potential to get the two victories needed to qualify. In a regular year, most would expect Cork to progress to semi-final and possibly final stage but this is far from a regular year! When assessing the four teams in the hunt for glory, who are the key players we should be looking out for? Emma Murray (Waterford) One of the key unsung players for Waterford in defence and midfield over the last number of years. She has established herself as an important link-player in the team through her work-ethic, versatility, athleticism & excellent reading of the game. This Image: Michelle Ryan of Waterford during the Lidl Ladies National Football League Division 2 Final match between Kerry and Waterford SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW