Compiled by Jackie Cahill

Manager Ephie Fitzgerald hailed an opening day victory for champions Cork over Munster rivals Kerry in Division 1 of the Lidl Ladies National Football League.

Cork, who're aiming for a tenth top-flight title in 11 years, ran out 2-17 to 0-9 winners on their visit to Knocknagoshel, as Bríd and Áine O'Sullivan struck for second half goals.

Cork were 0-7 to 0-4 clear at half-time before pulling away, as Orla Finn finished with five points.

Fitzgerald said: "Delighted to get off to a winning start and it's never easy to win against Kerry, especially when they are at home.

"It's important to get points on the scoreboard early on as this is a competitive league."

Fitzgerald also indicated that 2016 senior Players' Player of the Year Bríd Stack and last year's All-Ireland senior camogie winning captain Rena Buckley "haven't made their minds up yet" about linking up with the footballers for the campaign ahead but he added that the pair "hopefully might return later in the season."

Fitzgerald added: "I'm happy with some of the younger players, especially the likes of Beatrice Casey who was making her league debut today."

Elsewhere in Division 1, there were victories for TG4 All-Ireland senior champions Dublin, last September's Croke Park runners-up Mayo and Connacht title holders Galway.

First-half goals by Niamh McEvoy and Rebecca McDonnell fired Dublin to victory over Donegal in Letterkenny, as the visitors earned a hard-fought 2-5 to 0-7 win.

Dublin coach Ken Robinson admitted afterwards: "We've only just come back after Christmas, but that was sloppy.

"We didn't play too well. it was maybe a five out of ten by us."

Tweet

Most Read Stories