Mick Bohan: There will only be a kick of a ball in it

Wed, 21st August 2019

Dublin ladies football manager Mick Bohan expects there will "only be a kick of a ball" between his side and Cork in this Sunday's TG4 All-Ireland SFC semi-final at Croke Park (3.45).

The counties have build up a great rivalry in recent times and Sunday's game promises to be as entertaining and dramatic as many that have preceded it.

"There's huge history between the two teams so there is very little either camp doesn't know about the other at this stage.," said Mick.

"Obviously last year was a big year for us to beat them in a national final, to put that ghost to bed I suppose because otherwise it would be forever talked about 'these are the team you have been able to beat'.

"So we've done that, now it's a matter of can we repeat it?

"Certainly we feel they are coming with more this year than they were last year. They are very, very physical and they've a number of players who have come to the fore this year than may not have been as prominent last year.

"We certainly feel they've a stronger squad and their 'new kids' have begun to blossom as well. But look there is going to be a real healthy rivalry in this one. I can't see there being much in it at the end of the game, whether it is for us or for them, it'll be a kick of a ball," added Mick.

Dublin defeated Kerry in their quarter-final and know they'll have to produce a huge performance if they are to overcome the Leesiders.

"It's difficult I suppose to find out where we are exactly at the moment because the Kerry game as the most competitive game we've played to date and that's the nature of it as the competition goes on, the games become tighter.

"But equally we feel we're probably a game or two short of probably what we would have wanted but look we've had to deal with it before so we've to make sure the work we do in-house is the best we can."

Sinéad Aherne was Dublin's top-scorer against Kerry when her tally of 2-5 (0-3f) inspired the Jackies to a 5-15 to 2-9 victory.

The Dubs led 2-3 to 1-4 at half-time but impressed in the second half with the in-form Niamh McEvoy, Carla Rowe and Niamh Hetherton getting the other goals.

"Bit of a slow what the last day so plenty of work to do but I suppose we put up a good score in the end and I managed to tag on a few scores which is always nice," said Sinéad Aherne.

"These are the games you look forward to going to Croke Park. The girls are massively looking forward to it and we know we are going to be a battle again, there is never too much between the teams.

"They are a very mobile team and they've probably strengthened up a bit this year.

"They've a very good panel and you know you're going to get a phenomenal work-rate and we have to ensure we prepare ourselves as best we can and get ourselves right on the day and hopefully that will be enough for us."

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TICKET INFORMATION: All-Ireland Ladies SFC semi-finals

Dublin ladies senior footballers face Cork in the TG4 All-Ireland semi-final this Sunday in Croke Park.

This is the first time that both senior semi-finals will be played at GAA HQ - Mayo v Galway, 2pm; Dublin v Cork, 3.45pm

Ticket Information:

Adults: €20.00, Students/Seniors: €10.00, Juveniles(U-16's): €2.00

Tickets are now on sale from lgfa.tickets.ie

Tickets are also on sale from select SuperValu and Centra stores and the LGFA office 01-8363156.

Dublin clubs bringing juvenile teams to the game should call the LGFA office directly (phone 01-8363156 or email info@lgfa.ie) for Group Tickets

This is a general admission fixture with NO reserved seating.

Saturday 24th August 2019

TG4All Ireland Junior Championship Semi-Finals