AS IS OFTEN the case, Geradline McLaughlin was the Donegal hero – as they booked their place in the last eight of the TG4 All-Ireland ladies SFC.
McLaughlin was on fire as she kicked 0-12 in her side’s 0-17 to 0-14 Group 1 win over Tipperary in Castlerea, Co Roscommon, ahead of a winner takes all top of the group showdown against Kerry back at Dr Hydr Park this coming weekend.
“It was a tight game,” McLaughlin said. “It was the first game in a long time we got no goals but we kind of thought going into the game that it was going to be tough to get one. It was a good game and before their game against Cork in Munster, I think they hadn’t been beaten in two years.”
Donegal breezed through Ulster, winning the provincial showpiece 9-21 to 4-8 against Armagh but yesterday’s game was more one of attrition.
“We expected it to be tough at this stage of the competition and that’s exactly what it was,” McLaughlin added. “It was very physical but you expect that as well. From now on it will probably be the same. The ref let a lot got but that’s probably better as well.
“A tough game is what was needed and we will have another one against Kerry next weekend. If we beat Tipperary well today it would have been no good to us. If we beat Kerry we will get the ‘easier’ side of it and if we lose I think it’s Dublin and they’re probably the best team in the country. Whatever happens you’re going to have to play the best teams if you want to win the All-Ireland.”
