The four Lidl NFL Teams of the League have been revealed, with all 60 players will be presented with their awards at Croke Park on June 1.
2016 has been a busy year for Ladies Gaelic Football following the announcement of Lidl as partners to the LGFA and title sponsors of the National Football Leagues.
Launched with the controversial ‘Ladyball’ campaign, the League has been delighted to see increased coverage, recognition and attendances throughout the competition.
“This has been a brilliant League campaign for our sport,” LGFA President, Marie Hickey said “The Lidl Teams of the League give recognition to players across all of our divisions.
“This reward is unique as it is selected by the Managers of the teams, including opposition managers, making this an extremely representative selection for all 4 divisions.
“I would like to congratulate the players selected and all the players and management teams on making this a most memorable League campaign.”
Cork Kerry Galway Dublin Tyrone, Mon & Armagh all feature on @lidl_ireland Div 1 Team of League #serioussupport pic.twitter.com/SV9xiZzlyc
— Ladies Football (@LadiesFootball) May 27, 2016
Cork lead the way on the Lidl National Football League Division 1 selection after claiming their fifth Lidl NFL Division 1 crown in a row. Their impressive goalkeeper, Martina O’Brien is selected along with rising star, Roisín Phelan. Annie Walsh is selected at wing forward following another excellent campaign and is joined by the newest star of Ladies Gaelic Football, Orla Finn, who has been a revelation since taking over the free taking duties from the retired Valerie Mulcahy.
Beaten finalists Mayo are rewarded with two players on the selection including Fiona McHale and the incomparable Cora Staunton. There are also two players represented from Kerry, Galway and Dublin. Neamh Woods is rewarded for another excellent season for Tyrone despite suffering relegation at the end of the year with Armagh and Monaghan also represented by one player each.
Sligo, Donegal, Westmeath, Cavan & Clare all represented on @lidl_ireland Div 2 Team of the League #serioussupport pic.twitter.com/UFMcGxrc85
— Ladies Football (@LadiesFootball) May 27, 2016
The Lidl NFL Division 2 Team of the League is also dominated by the newly crowned champions, Donegal, who are represented by five players including Treasa Doherty, Ciara Hegarty, Deirdre Foley, team captain Niamh Hegarty and ace attacker Yvonne McMonigle.
The defeated finalists, Westmeath are represented by three players; Laura Brennan, Fiona Claffey and Johanna Maher whilst Clare also have three representatives; Louise Henchy, Niamh Keane and full forward Niamh O’Dea. Cavan and Sligo complete the Lidl Division 2 Team of the League with 2 players each; Joanne Moore and Aisling Doonan from Cavan and goalkeeper Noelle Gormley and midfielder Sinéad McTiernan representing Sligo.
The @lidl_ireland NFL Div 3 team with players from Waterford, Tipp, Ferm, Wex, Ros, Offaly & Leit #serioussupport pic.twitter.com/wbavGTkngS
— Ladies Football (@LadiesFootball) May 27, 2016
Lidl NFL Division 3 Finalists; Waterford and Tipperary produced two contests to remember as they played out an incredibly exciting draw and replay in the decider. Both sides have been rewarded in the Division 3 Team of the League as Waterford have five players and Tipperary have four.
All three of Waterford’s Wall sisters are selected on the Team of the League with Mairéad and Linda represented in the full back line and Aileen in the half forwards. Gráinne Kenneally is selected at midfield with free taking sensation, Maria Delahunty, named at wing forward. Samantha Lambert, Anne O’Dwyer, Jennifer Grant and Mairéad Morrissey are the Tipperary quartet with Wexford represented by Maria Byrne and Catríona Murray. Fermanagh, Roscommon, Offaly and Leitrim complete the team with one player each.
The 2016 @lidl_ireland Team of the League have been named! Here are the 4 teams starting with Div 4 #serioussupport pic.twitter.com/m3idbBufQk
— Ladies Football (@LadiesFootball) May 27, 2016
The Lidl National Football League Division 4 team sees five counties represented on the selection. Limerick overcame Antrim in the Lidl NFL Division 4 Final and are rewarded with five players on the team including Alva Neary, Olivia Giltenane, Kristine Reidy, Division 4 Final Player of the Match, Niamh Richardson and brilliant attacker Dymphna O’Brien.
Anna McCann is named as the goalkeeper and is joined by Antrim team mates, Áine Tubridy and Mairéad Cooper. Louth also have three representatives on the team with Kate Flood and Paula Murray being joined by Michelle McMahon. Longford are represented by Orla Noonan and Aoife Darcy with Wicklow duo Lorna Fusciardi and Clodagh Fox completing the selection.
The Teams of the League honour the players that performed best in their position throughout the entire league. The best 15 players are selected by the opposition managers within their own division with the players that receive the most nominations being selected in that position. The Lidl Manager of the League will also be named at the Lidl Teams of the League presentation night which will take place at Croke Park on June 1.
Aoife Clarke, Head of Communications, Lidl Ireland, said: “I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate the players who have been selected for the Teams of the League honour, as well as their team-mates and managers on what has been a fantastic league campaign.
“At Lidl, we are immensely proud of our partnership with the LGFA and have worked hard to create a programme that will bring new levels of support and exposure to the sport.”
