Stars gather for launch of 2018 Lidl Ladies National Football League finals

The 2018 Lidl Ladies National Football League Finals were launched today (Tuesday) in Dublin.

Representatives from all eight counties participating were present in the capital for a photo-shoot at The Helix/DCU, before retiring to the Croke Park Hotel for media interviews.

There’s a double-header pencilled in for Parnell Park next Sunday (May 6), while St Brendan’s Park in Birr will also play host to an attractive double-header on Monday, May 7.

All eyes will be firmly fixed on Parnell Park as Dublin and Mayo battle it out for Division 1 glory.

In what will be a repeat of the 2017 TG4 All-Ireland senior final, played in front of a record 46,286 attendance at Croke Park, Dublin go in search of a very first Lidl NFL League crown, with Mayo aiming for their first top-flight title since 2007.

Dublin were finalists last in 2014, when they lost out to Cork, while Mayo were runners-up two years ago against Cork.

The Dublin-Mayo clash will have a 4pm throw-in at Parnell Park, and that eagerly-anticipated fixture will be preceded by the Division 2 showpiece involving Cavan and Tipperary (2pm).

Cavan will hope to go one better than 2017, when they were beaten by Westmeath in the Division 2 final, while Tipp are going in search of back-to-back League titles, having lifted the Division 3 silverware last year.

This will be Tipperary’s first Division 2 final appearance since they lost out in the 2009 decider to Down.

Next Monday, attention turns to the finals in Divisions 3 and 4, with four Leinster counties involved.

At 2pm, it’s the Division 4 final between Wicklow and Louth, as Wicklow look to go one better than last year, when they were defeated by Longford in the fourth-tier showpiece.

In Division 3, and with a 4pm start, Wexford also have redemption on their minds as they tackle Meath.

Wexford were denied the Division 3 title and promotion to Division 2 by Tipperary after a replay last year.

Speaking at the launch of the Lidl National Football League finals, Ladies Gaelic Football Association CEO Helen O’Rourke commented: “This has been another outstanding season of League football and now the time has come to crown our champions.

“Across the four divisions, competition has been intense and the standard of fare on offer has been of the very highest standard.

“Some of the great football we have witnessed to date in 2018, including at the semi-final stages when some magic moments went ‘viral’ on social media, has certainly whetted the appetite for what should be four great games across Sunday and Monday.

“We’re expecting big crowds at both venues and we’re grateful to our retail partners and League sponsors, Lidl, for their continued #SeriousSupport.

“Dublin and Mayo should be another cracking game that will bring memories of last September flooding back, while Cavan and Tipperary will serve up a cracker in the Division 2 final.

“On Monday, it’s an all-Leinster affair across the finals in Divisions 3 and 4 and I’d like to wish all of the counties involved the very best of luck.”

 

Admission prices on Sunday and Monday are as follows:

 

Adults €10; Students/OAPs €5, Juveniles/Children €1.

 

All proceeds collected from the sale of Children’s tickets will be donated to the Fatima Centre in Bangkok, run by the Good Shepherd Sisters and visited recently by members of the travelling TG4 All Star touring party. The LGFA will also contribute a further donation to the fund.

 

Lidl Ladies NFL Division 1 Final: Dublin v Mayo; Parnell Park, 4pm - Sunday May 6

Lidl Ladies NFL Division 2 Final: Cavan v Tipperary; Parnell Park, 2pm - Sunday May 6

Lidl Ladies NFL Division 3 Final: Meath v Wexford; St Brendan's Park, Birr, 4pm - Monday May 7

Lidl Ladies NFL Division 4 Final: Louth v Wicklow; St Brendan's Park, Birr, 2pm - Monday May 7