Unbeaten Kerry out to stop Cork three-in-a-row

WOMEN'S FOOTBALL LEAGUE FINAL:WHILE CORK remain the undisputed queens of women's football, they face a daunting challenge this summer due to the second coming of Kerry, who bring an unbeaten record into Sunday's league final at Cusack Park, Ennis.

Kerry dominated the sport between 1980 to 1991, winning the All-Ireland every year except for Wexford's brief breakthrough in 1986, but they have since faded as a force. That is, until this season.

Victories over Armagh, Tyrone and most notably a 6-12 to 1-5 dismantling of Mayo brought them to the semi-final, where they proved too strong for Galway.

"Cork have set the benchmark in recent years and they are a very strong outfit with a lot of strength in depth," said Kerry captain and three-time All Star Geraldine O'Shea, "but we have had a very good season so far and confidence is high as we have yet to lose a game."

Cork lost to Dublin in the regular season, but the semi-final thrashing of Armagh (4-12 to 0-5) leaves them nicely poised as they begin to up preparations ahead of their run at a three-in-a-row.

"Every season is a new challenge, and although we have been successful in recent years it can be difficult to maintain the high standards we have set for ourselves," said freshman Cork captain Angela Walsh. "There are a few new faces in the team and this has helped to give us a fresh impetus."

FIXTURES - Saturday: Division Three Final, Cavan v Limerick, Thurles, 5pm.

Sunday: Division Two Final, Donegal v Clare, Cusack Park, Ennis, 2.30; Division One Final, Cork v Kerry, Cusack Park, Ennis, 4.15pm.