Cork U-16's wary of Ulster Champs

CORK U16’S WARY OF ULSTER CHAMPIONS by Mary White

Tomorrows U16 All-Ireland Semi Final Cork V Monaghan Portarlington,
2.30pm, Back to back All-Ireland titles aren’t easy to come by
at any level but the Cork U16s are two steps away from doing so.

Monaghan have a different agenda however and are set to rock the
Rebel ladies in tomorrows semi final in Portarlington. The Ulster
champions have been tagged the underdogs, a title which suits
them happily as the pressure sits on Cork’s shoulders. With an
impressive win over Kerry in the provincial decider, the Leesiders
are hot favourites. Both the defensive and offensive units are
balanced and there hasn’t been any evident chinks in either since
the start of the championship trail. Emer O’Donovan, Geraldine
Rea and captain Vicki Power are the toughest backline in the country
at present and the Monaghan forwards will have to be in top form
if they’re to succeed.

Picture: Cork U16 team.

At
midfield Ciara O’Sullivan and Linda Barrett bring buckets of experience
and they’re the crucial link in supplying ball to the dominant
forwards. Rhona Buckley, Jenny Luddy and Ann O’Donovan have been
consistent throughout, alongside the knowledgeable Amanda Murphy,
who lines out for the seniors on Monday in the first round of
the senior championship against Kerry.

Captain Vicki Power is confident in her teams abilities and feels
they have what it takes to reach their second final in a row.
“We’ve prepared well and I have no doubt that we can win. The
girls and management have been committed throughout and we have
great team spirit – this all adds to our chances”, said Vicki.

“Monaghan are a great side and we’ll have to play our best football
to win but with the right attitude we can do it”.

Verdict: Cork