Tyrrell and McGrath shine for Dublin in NFL decider victory
By Daire Walsh
Clondalkin’s Hannah Tyrrell delivered another stellar display at Croke Park yesterday evening to guide Dublin towards a LIDL Ladies National Football League Division One final win over previous champions Cork.
The former Ireland rugby international only rejoined the Jackies panel last month after a seven year absence from the inter-county scene, but chipped in with 0-7 at GAA HQ to bring her overall tally for the campaign to 3-29.
She was offered able support on the day by Thomas Davis stalwart Siobhan McGrath, who was TG4’s choice for player of the match following another typically industrious performance.
Lucan Sarsfields goalkeeper Abby Sheils also did her part for the cause, confidently marshalling a defence that also featured McGrath’s Davis colleague Olwen Carey.
Ballinteer St John’s star Orlagh Nolan was also listed amongst the substitutes for this game, having played a significant role in getting Dublin to this stage.
The second of two games taking place at Jones’ Road on Saturday (the NFL Division Two decider between Meath and Kerry being the other), there were 2,350 spectators in attendance as part of a test pilot programme for the safe return of supporters to outdoor sporting events.
During a frantic opening-quarter, Cork’s Libby Coppinger and Jackies full-forward Niamh Hetherton traded goals at either end of the pitch.
However, with Tyrrell registering five points – including efforts off either foot – Dublin brought a 1-10 to 1-6 cushion into the interval.
In comparison to an action-packed first half, the second period was a much scrappier affair.
Despite leading by four points (1-13 to 1-9) with 15 minutes left on the clock, Dublin found themselves down to 14 following the sin-binning of corner-back Martha Byrne.
Nevertheless, an experienced substitute’s bench ensured the Metropolitans were able to keep the Leesiders at arm’s length.
Carla Rowe rattled the opposition net on the stroke of 50 minutes as Dublin ultimately sealed their sixth national crown under the guidance of manager Mick Bohan.