Cork Co Senior Ladies Football final under lights

Cork Co Senior Ladies Football final under lights
Donoughhmore on the Brink of History by Fr. Liam Kelleher

Records are there be broken and at times records are established
and people say they will never be surpassed. I suppose than
one record that will stand the test of time is the fact
that this is the first Co Final every being held under lights
in Cork. The final is timed for this Sunday at Milstreet
starting at 8pm.

One record that can be broken on Sunday evening is the Co
senior Championship record. Victory for the mid cork girls
would see them surpass the magical seven in a row which
they hold with old rivals Glanworth, who established their
total before Donoughmore began their fantastic run. There
are targets there to be aimed for and I remember going to
a Co final in Mallow where Donoughmore were regarded as
being marked present just to make up the numbers. As things
transpired they did lose but they put up a great show. This
stood them in good stead for future successes, the important
thing was they did not despair they did not throw in the
towel and their time came. Their next objective was to get
over the Ballymacarbery hodoo, it took time and that happened
too, two years ago before they went on to win that memorable
All-Ireland club title.

There are many who think, that because of a earlier comprehensive
defeat by Donoughmore Rockchapel are merely making up numbers,
they would be well advised to think again. Two years ago
at Carrigadrohid Rockchapel gave Donoughmore one of their
best games all year and now that they have virtually their
full squad back again except for Sinead O’Reilly, cup tied,
because of her USA involvement, they must be respected.
Donoughmore’s well oiled and well drilled machine will still
be hot favourites, but strange things can happen in Co Finals.

One Off

This is a one off game where the winner takes all. Looking
through the Rochchapel line out they are all experienced
footballers they have enjoyed a good run over the past number
of weeks with their wins over Vals in the Co Minor final
of last year at the same venue. In their last game against
Vals they overcame a 14 point deficit to triumph and that
shows that slowly but surely they are tuning in and building
themselves up to this day. They will look for inspiration
from the Kelly sisters Norita and Mairead their cousin Norma.
Deirdre and Carmel O’Reilly, Deirdre O’Sullivan and Emer
Daly will be expected to give big performances. A lot will
depend on the form of Regina Curtin, on her day one of the
finest footballers in the country, she has been limited
with a nagging injury and will have huge influence if fully
fit. Last but not least Brid Stack, the inspiring capt of
Cork’s All-Ireland minor winning team.

If she teams up at midfield with Norita who had a brilliant
game with Cork Minors, then we should be in for a treat,
especially if they are opposed by another Cork Minor Star
Rena Buckley and Juliet Murphy. From keeper Tracy Rodgers
right through to corner forward, Donoughmore have a solid
look about them. Edel O’Sullivan another minor on Cork’s
winning team shoulders a big responsibility. The evergreen
Hanora Kelleher continues to be a major influence. The forward
division carry their greatest threat, they move the ball
with purpose and panache. The surging runs of Aisling O’Connor,The
strength of Mary O’Connor and Aisling Barrett who showed
great form with Cork Minors and the ability of Louise Murphy
to snatch goals could prove crucial. Anything but a Donoughmore
win would be a major surprise, but hope always springs eternal,
we look forward to a fine sporting game worthy of such an
occasion.

Fr Liam Kelleher