GREGORY McGonigle has managed some outstanding players in his time at the helm of teams such as Monaghan and Dublin as well as Ulster University Jordanstown.
When he was asked to pick a squad of the best ladies footballers he has managed down through the years he was only too delighted to put pen to paper.
The Derry native has selected the players under his tenure between 2006 and 2016.
During that time he managed Queen's, Down and Armagh, UUJ to O’Connor Cup success in 2008, Monaghan to three Ulster senior titles during his three years there 2011 to 2013. They reached also two All-Ireland deciders in his first and last years and lifted the 2012 national league Division One title.
Unfortunately, he suffered further All-Ireland heartache with Dublin, taking them to three successive finals between 2014 and 2016.
Ciara Trant (Dublin)
A tough call between two ‘keepers – Linda Martin from Monaghan was very close but I have went for Ciara Trant from Dublin who won two U21 All-Irelands when I was there and has went on to win three senior All-Irelands with Dublin and two All Stars. Technically very good, confident communicator and great Kickouts. Hardest working player at perfecting her game.
Grainne McNally (Monaghan)
A player you love going into battle with, a real steady player, great reader of the game and fierce. Two All Stars in 2011 and 2013 – has marked the best forwards across Ireland and usually comes out on top.
Sharon Courtney (Monaghan)
Pace in abundance and a brilliant tackler who was also brilliant at slowing up opposition forwards, excellent at setting up rapid counter attacks. A great leader who captained Donaghmoyne, Monaghan and Ulster to success.
Sinead McCleary (UUJ/Armagh)
A player I had to get into the team as such that she played a lot of her football at number six or seven. Great reader of the game and well capable of marking the best forwards – excellent kick passer and also captained Ulster to Interprovincial success.
Sinead Goldrick (Dublin)
Seven times All Star winner, would be one of the first names on any teamsheet in Ireland. Super competitive and a real leader and inspiration to those playing alongside her. Brilliant at attacking from wing back and well able to get a score.
Neamh Woods (UUJ)
I described her after 2008 O’Connor Cup Final as a Rolls Royce of a player and nothing has changed. Captained Ulster to interprovincial success and now a two times All Star winner winning her first in 2008. Brilliant in the air and her solo running from defence set up many attacks.
Kathy Conway (Joyce) (UUJ)
A player with brilliant ability who could play in nearly and position on the pitch. A top class player with great pace and technically very good. Played a huge role In UUJ winning O’Connor Cup in 2008. Well capable of marking the best forwards and also a great eye for a score.
Caroline O’Hanlon (Queens/Armagh)
Up there with the best players across Ireland and has consistently been at the top of the game. Natural fielding ability and some who glides across the ground. Lucky to have managed somebody of Caroline’s ability and her commitment to Ulster was top class often turning up to play after a night shift in Hospital.
Amanda Casey (Monaghan)
Very tight call between Amanda and Sarah Donnelly from Tyrone and UUJ. Amanda’s performance over my three years with Monaghan and winning the National League against Cork and her success with Donaghmoyne edge her ahead. Very athletic and great reader of the game and fantastic in the air.
Noelle Healy (Dublin)
A key player for Dublin and someone who has went on to win Player of the Year award and three All Star awards – the most explosive player I coached with her solo running and off the shoulder support play nearly unstoppable at times. Has worked extremely hard on her finishing ability and also a great communicator on the field.
Gemma Begley (UUJ)
Another tough decision but Gemma’s play making ability and her strength on the ball edge a few others in this key position. An excellent finisher with explosive pace and her intelligent runs where always a handful and also could play in most forward positions.
Cora Courtney (Monaghan)
Gifted footballer off right and left foot with great vision, and a super fitness levels and great balance and speed. Really understands the game and brilliant tactically. Thee times All Star winner.
Lyndsey Davey (Dublin)
The hardest working forward on the team and a brilliant tackler which leads to key turnovers. Physically strong and very fast and has a brilliant step dummy and lethal finisher with an eye for a goal. Brilliant leader and fantastic trainer. Four times All Star winner
Sinead Aherne (Dublin)
A real footballing brain and somebody who makes the forward line tick. Has the ability to make good player look great alongside her with her movement and set up play and runs. Eight times All-star winner and has captained Dublin to 3 All-Irelands.
Ciara McAnespie (Monaghan)
A real handful of a forward, great turn of pace and a player who combines great finishes with excellent set up play. Another hard working forward who takes on defenders directly and causes problems and wins frees.
Subs
Caoimhe Mohan (Monaghan)
Possibly the most natural two-footed player of the 20. Had pace to burn and a unreal goal threat. Her unpredictability on the ball was a strength as most oppositions struggled to contain her. Great passing ability as well.
Carla Rowe (Dublin)
Unlucky to lose out on a starting wing forward position – a brilliant work ethic and a real competitor. Captained Dublin U21’s to All-Ireland in 2015 and has won three U21 All-Irelands and three Senior All-Irelands.
Sinead Finnegan (Dublin)
An excellent defender who often sacrificed her own game to mark oppositions key half forwards. Has had some brilliant battles with Ciara O’Sullivan of Cork down through the years. A real leader and communicator at the back and another fantastic trainer.
Michaela Downey (Down)
A very powerful player who was up there with the best player in Ulster and Ireland. A real leader for Down and played a part in Ulster success from 2008 - 2013. Definitely somebody you would want on your side going into a battle. A fierce competitor.
Claire Timoney (UUJ)
Played at 11 on UUJ O’Connor winning cup team and Ulster Inter-provincial winners in 2008. Has also won junior All-Irelands with Antrim. Technically brilliant and superb vision for picking out a pass. Playing on a team with great forwards she will always find that killer pass.
Overview
“I have been very fortunate to manage some of the best ladies footballers in Ulster and Dublin. To make it slightly easier on me I used the following criteria to help me select the team,'' said Gregory McGonigle.
“I have used a period of 10 years from 2006 to 2016 when I finished up with Dublin ladies but have not included some great players who have played with Ulster when I managed them from 2008 - 2013 as they were effectively one day tournaments and would be unfair as only managing people for a short period.
“I picked the subs like I would on a match as regards having options for each position being forwards back midfielders. I would love to manage that team as it has pace all over the field and players with a great work ethic.Loads of great players not included but too many to mention."
