The Dubs beat Cork. In the match programme for the All-Ireland final, pundits were asked for their predictions.
Gráinne McElwain was the only one to tip a Dublin victory. Her splendid TG4 second series on the history of the cups, Scéalta na gCorn, has just concluded. It’s available on the TG4 Player.
At last year’s 50th Ladies’ Football All-Ireland final, Dublin collected the Brendan Martin Cup after producing the golden performance.
It was a train that Dubs’ boss Mick Bohan didn’t see coming.
After the final, it looked like joint Kerry managers, Declan Quill and Darragh Long, would step away.
They had done four years. Family commitments were calling. But they decided to stay on. For one more spin of the wheel.
It was the same for Mick Bohan when Donegal defeated Dublin in the 2022 All-Ireland quarter-final in Carrick-On-Shannon.
On that summer’s evening, it very much appeared that Mick was about to close the door behind him.
What followed was, perhaps, his finest achievement of all. Even, in many ways, sweeter than the four-in-a-row.
This Saturday (July 20), Kerry play Armagh in the All-Ireland semi-final at Glenisk O’Connor Park (7.15). A double bill with the Cork v Galway semi-final (5.0). Both on TG4.
Galway went the distance to beat the Dubs in the quarter-final in Parnell Park last week.
Many regarded it as a big surprise, even a shock. But in their League meeting in Donnycarney in February, Galway, despite their one-point defeat, showed what a fine side they are.
And as the BBC’s David Coleman always said: “Goals pay the rent.”
Galway scored three goals. Like they did when they won their first and only All-Ireland in 2004.
They beat Dublin before a crowd of over 20,000 in Croke Park. Sinéad Aherne came on for Dublin.
Niamh Fahey was outstanding for Galway. Twenty years on, she is still a pivotal member of Eileen Gleeson’s Irish soccer squad.
The legendary John O’Leary was managing Dublin. After the 2004 final, he declared: “Our players did the jersey proud. You can’t ask for more than that.”
At the time, John was also a selector on the Irish team for the International Rules Tests against Australia at Croke Park.
Greg McGonigle is the Armagh manager. He had three years with Dublin. He had the option of another season.
But he felt it was the right time to go. Like the best players, and managers, he had left the jersey, and the dressing-room, in a better place.
He reflected back then: “I just felt that such a brilliant group of players needed a new voice to help them achieve their ultimate goal.”
He then added: “I think that this Dublin side can go on and emulate the success of the Dublin’s men’s team.”
Before he arrived, Dublin had reached the three previous All-Ireland quarter-finals.
He brought them to three successive All-Ireland finals. Enduring defeat each time to one of the greatest teams of all, Cork.
They lost by a point in 2014, two points in 2015 and a point in 2016. He also guided Monaghan to two All-Ireland finals. They too lost to Cork, The Invincibles. By two points in 2011 and by a point in 2013.
He won the Division 1 League title with Monaghan and now again with Armagh.
He is one of the finest managers in the game. He learned much from the iconic Cork manager, Eamonn Ryan.
“He was the Alex Ferguson of ladies’ football,” Greg mused. “He instilled loyalty and respect among the players. And he got it back, two-fold. That is why that Cork team were so successful.
“I think one of the great qualities of a manager is trust. And you have to be approachable. On top of all that, Eamonn was a gentleman.
“You could pick up the phone to him at any stage and he’d chat away to you. Helping you. Giving you advice.
“If players are happy, they will stay involved. Creating a happy camp is so important.”
Like Mick Bohan, Greg wanted to entertain the audience that had paid good money at the turnstiles.
“Trying to get the result is a given. But at the same time, you want to put on a good show. Like Bruce Springsteen.
“You want it to be rock and roll. To send everybody home talking about ladies’ football.”
Mick Bohan commended Greg’s time with the Dubs. “That’s what started it for us.
“When we took over, Dublin had been in the previous three All-Ireland finals. And before that, it was 2010 when they last reached the final.
“Greg brought them on. He gave the players belief that they could compete at that level.
“His work certainly was a principal factor in the achievements that we subsequently had.”
Dublin went on to establish themselves as the best team in the land.
Greg McGonigle played no small part in that. His old friends in the capital will wish him well this weekend.
