Round 2 of the Lidl LGFA Leagues for 2024 is in the books, and the tables are beginning to take shape. With this, there have been some emerging narratives and engaging talking points, and here at Balls.ie we have compiled our 5 key takeaways from Round 2 of the Lidl LGFA Leagues for 2024.
Dublin losing back to back games
It’s not been a good start for the All-Ireland Champions to their league campaign in 2024. They began with a flat performance ending in defeat against Kerry in Parnell Park, and immediately knew that the next week’s fixture against Meath would be extremely difficult. Goals from Meadhbh Byrne and Marion Farrelly proved the difference as Meath won 2-5 0-7 to the delight of the packed Páirc Táilteann.
For Dublin on the other hand, Mick Bohan will undoubtedly be concerned with their start. The champions have yet to register a goal and haven’t looked as dangerous in attack so far. The Dubs need a response in Round 3.
Niamh O’Sullivan retires from Meath LGFA
'I'm lucky, I've had a successful career..'
See @meathladiesMLGF's Niamh O'Sullivan talk to @JeromeQuinn at Pairc Tailteann after announcing her retirement.
The @DunshaughlinGAA double All Ireland Senior winner made her debut in 2008. The full video is on our Facebook page. pic.twitter.com/lEN6RmHsOL— Ladies Football (@LadiesFootball) January 29, 2024
One of the legends of Meath LGFA and one of the stars of their incredible rise to back-to-back All-Irelands in 2021 and 2022, Niamh O’Sullivan has announced her retirement from the game. Niamh walked out in front of the Páirc Táilteann crowd and received a standing ovation for her incredible service to the Royal County. Her most iconic moment was her clutch point with 7 minutes to go against Dublin in the All-Ireland Final 2021, which was Meath’s final point in their historic first All-Ireland win! All the best to Niamh in her retirement.
Louise proves why she’s the best in the business
The League Champions Kerry hosted Waterford in Fitzgerald Stadium looking to make it back-to-back wins, only to find Waterford 2-1 - 0-0 ahead after ten minutes thanks to goals from Kellyann Hogan & Mairéad O’Brien. While Jayden Lucey led Kerry back to level scores by half time with her goal, it was the introduction of Player of the Year Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh that proved the key move in getting Kerry over the line in this game. Louise finished the game with 1-4, her goal in the 64th minute the icing on the cake for a Kerry team who made it back-to-back wins to kick off their league campaign for 2024!
Kildare making a statement for promotion
All-Ireland Intermediate Champions Kildare are gearing up for another crack at Senior Championship football this year. They are stacked with talented players such as Róisín Byrne and Ellen Dowling, and have been training hard in the off-season, and they began their league campaign by beating Monaghan in Manguard Park. However, their contest against Donegal would be telling. A team that has been a consistent presence at Senior Championship over the last few years, who had players like Niamh McLaughlin, Tara Hegarty and Katy Herron in their team for this fixture. The end result saw Kildare travel up to Ballybofey and leave with a 1-8 to 1-4 victory over Donegal, making it back-to-back wins for the Lilywhites. They will feel extremely confident about soaring towards Division 1 football now.
Aimee Mackin’s enormous influence on Armagh
One of the most prolific forwards in the game, Aimee Mackin has returned from Australia to the Armagh fold for the opening fixtures of the Lidl LGFA Leagues, and immediately her presence in the Armagh team is there for all to see. An opening day victory away to Waterford was then followed up by a trip down to Páirc Uí Rinn to face Cork and once again, Armagh returned north with the win. Aimee Mackin hit the back of the net in both of those games, from play against Waterford, and from the penalty spot against Cork. However, immediately the Armagh forward line looks more threatening, and with Mackin in the side, they could be a match for anybody.
SEE ALSO: 5 Players Who Made A Huge Impact In Week 1 Of The Allianz Football Leagues
