Cork U-14s poised for revenge

Sunday:-
U14 All-Ireland Semi Final Cork V Donegal Mullingar,
2.30pm

Failing to pass the semi final stage last season
and the termination of four years of dominance,
doesn’t sit well in the Cork camp. None more so,
than with captain Niamh O’ Keeffe, whose on a
quest to restore the Rebel history book on Sunday
in Mullingar. Being dethroned by Mayo, wasn’t
the nicest feeling for the Erins Own star and
the disappointment that followed still cuts deep.
“Losing the semi final was very tough. Cork dominated
for four years and were in with a chance to make
it five but we didn’t perform on the day. That
thought is spurring us on to make amends this
time round”, said Niamh.

Niamh O Keefe with Cork U-14 players celebrating their Munster Final win

Twelve
months on and Cork are now the underdogs seeking
to knock Dublin from the top. With that pressure
has fallen on the Leinster champions, making life
a little easier but not without Donegal having
a say in it first. The pundits had wondered if
this Cork outfit had what it took when they trailed
to Kerry during the Munster final interval. But
the critics were answered when for every Kingdom
attack, we counter attacked, with twice the impact.
“It was a total shock to be down at half time
but it was a wake up call and we knew what had
to be done. Even though we were down the team
never once contemplated losing”.

With club mates Caoimhe O’Callaghan, Emily O’Callaghan
(no relation) and Lisa Dennehy in the ranks, the
second year Coláiste na Phiarsaigh student is
in good company. “There’s a feeling of safety
when your playing alongside your club mates. You
know each others ability and I trust them completely.
But I also trust the entire panel. “The team spirit
is excellent among the girls and that will carry
us through” she added.

At full back Niamh admires those around her but
believes the Cork full forward line are pivotal
to the sides success. “No back line in the country
at the minute could mark our full forward line.
They are exceptional and we’ll need them to perform
if we are to win”. A place in the All-Ireland
final doesn’t even come into the equation for
the Munster final MVP and she wisely opts to take
it one game at a time. And the attitude is right
when faced with the calibre of players Donegal
have in their pockets.

The ease of her answer when asked if they’ll win,
was a breath of fresh air – “yes”.

Mary White (PRO, Cork Ladies Football)