Deadly duo return as Donegal and Dublin dice for place in league final

Donegal are bidding for a place in the Lidl Ladies League Division 1 final when they face Dublin on Saturday, with Geraldine McLaughlin and Yvonne Bonner in contention to start together for the first time this year.

Donegal have been boosted by the return of former All-Star Bonner. The Glenfin woman made a welcome return last time out against Mayo after her two seasons in Australia playing Australian Rules with the Greater Western Sydney Giants.

All-Star Geraldine McLaughln missed the last outing against Mayo in Bekan through injury but she is expected to return for Saturday’s joust with the Dubs.

“It is brilliant to have Yvonne back and is a great boost and Katie Herron returned in recent weeks too,” midfielder Karen Guthrie said. “The girls are slowly coming back from injury and now It is all about getting them back and playing together again.”

The game is the first of an attractive double bill in St Tiernach’s Park. All-Ireland champions Meath and Mayo face off in the second semi-final.

Donegal, under the guidance of manager Maxi Curran qualified for the last four for the second year in a row.
They finished second in their group to qualify for the final on the back of wins over Galway and Westmeath. They lost to Mayo who topped the group.

Donegal were without scoring ace Geraldine McLaughlin and still gave them a run for their money as Mayo emerged 2-7 to 1-7 winners.

“It is good to be back in another semi-final and it is another competitive game against a quality team that we are happy to have,” said Guthrie, one of Donegal’s leading scorers in the league so far.

Dublin are the reigning league champions. They topped their group with three straight wins over Waterford, Cork and Meath.
Donegal and Dublin are no strangers and they have met a number of times in both the league and championship in recent seasons.

'One Last Game for Liam' fundraiser to take place at Four Masters GAA club

All monies raised will be given to the Bluestack Special Needs Foundation and Donegal Community Hospital

Guthrie said: “It is great to see Shauna McFadden, Tara Hegarty and Susan White get the chance. They have worked really hard and have grabbed the opportunity and have really impressed in the three games to date.

“A game against quality opposition like Dublin will be a great experience for them and will really bring them on as players. That is the great thing about playing in Division One you're coming up against quality players and teams every game you play.”

Dublin who have been short a number of big name players in their three games so far will go into Saturday’s tie as favourites.
The big question is have Donegal narrowed the gap still even further as the championship season beckons.