TG4 All-Ireland Intermediate Ladies FC (Round One)
Roscommon v Wexford on Sunday in Dr. Hyde Park at 2 pm
Roscommon Ladies footballers begin their All-Ireland campaign in Dr. Hyde Park on Sunday against a Wexford side that they have had mixed luck against in the past 12 months.
In April 2022, Roscommon edged out Wexford by a point 0-9 to 1-5 to take the league Division Three title in Birr. However, three months later, in July, Wexford got full revenge with a 5-11 to 1-10 win in the All-Ireland intermediate semi-final which was played at Crettyard in County Laois.
After a disappointing league campaign which saw Roscommon relegated back to Division Three, hopes will be high that they can raise their game for this difficult three-team group that includes Monaghan as well as Sunday’s opponents.
Roscommon manager Ollie Lennon says that his charges are looking forward to their championship campaign.
“It’s a tough group but we are aiming for one of the two quarter-final spots. It’s great to be starting with a home game on Sunday and we intend to get off to good start against Wexford,” he said.
There are a few injuries in the camp according to the Roscommon boss.
“Áine McGrath, Aisling Feeley, and Lauren Shanagher are doubtful while Catriona Regan is out for the year but everyone else is fit and ready for action,” he added.
Ollie says that despite Wexford’s big win against Roscommon in last year’s championship, the home side should be well able to match whatever they can throw at them.
“Wexford didn’t get to the league Division Three final this year. Remember too that we have been playing Division Two football this year and that should stand to us. At home we will be targeting a win on Sunday,” he concluded.
This is a tough opener for Roscommon but it’s a game that they are capable of winning. If Aisling Feeley is fit and Roscommon can get the ball into the likes of Aisling Hanly and Laura Fleming up front it can be a good start for Roscommon this weekend.
Prediction: Roscommon
