Brigid's braced for visit of champs Na Fianna

Niall Scully

HOLD onto your trolleys -- the Tesco Dublin Senior Championship throws-in tonight.

The champions, Na Fianna, will be travelling to Russell Park. Brigid's boss, Ken Murphy, is expecting a challenging hour from the Leinster Leaders.

"It is going to be a very tough game for us," admits Ken. "Na Fianna are now setting the standard in Dublin.

"They were runners-up in the All-Ireland final last year, so they are a very strong side."

Group 2 also contains last season's Dublin runners-up, Ballyboden St Enda's, and Foxrock Cabinteely.

"It is a very difficult group. Ballyboden St Enda's and Foxrock Cabinteely are fine sides as well.

"The matches will be very competitive. The quality of football in Dublin is now first-class. And over the years, Dublin champions like 'Boden and Na Fianna have won Leinster, with 'Boden, of course, becoming All-Ireland champions."

Brigid's are missing their Dublin duo, Sorcha Furlong, who is injured, and Elaine Kelly, who is away travelling.

They'll look to the experience of county performers like Colleen Barrett and Ailish McKenna.

"Sorcha and Elaine are two big losses for us, and we are trying to re-group with a young squad," explains Ken.

"We have a small enough panel, and a few of the girls are not available because they are doing their Leaving Cert. It's a big ask, but the girls will give it their best shot."