Gemma Begley | Angela Casey | Annette Clarke | Nollaig Cleary
Edel Concannon | Katrina Connolly | Briege Corkery | Bernie Finlay
Lorna Joyce | Kate Leah | Fiona McHale | Sarah McLoughlin | Angie McNally
Valerie Mulcahy | Andrea Murphy | Juliet Murphy | Mary Nevin
Bronagh O'Donnell | Geraldine O'Shea | Grainne Smith | Cora Staunton
Aisling Tierney | Patrice Dennehy 
Katrina Connolly is one of the top players on the Ladies football scene. Since 1996 she has played in goals for Sligo and her outstanding performances have been the difference between winning and losing on many occasions.
2006 was a landmark year for Katrina and her Yeats County teammates. After the disappointment of defeat in 2004 and 2005, they finally captured the All-Ireland Ladies Junior Championship at the third attempt last September, beating Leitrim in a scoreline of 0-8 to 0-4. It was extra special for Katrina as she was also named in goals on the 2006 All-Star team - topping off a fantastic year.
2007 sees Sligo stepping up a level to play Senior football. “We want to compete with the best teams now” says Katrina. Having beaten Dublin in their opening match of the new season, their prospects at the highest level look bright.
What has been your greatest moment in sport?
Winning the All-Ireland Junior title with Sligo last September was by far the highlight for me. After being on the losing side in the 2004 and 2005 finals it was great to finally win it.
Who are the toughest teams in Ladies football?
I’d have to say that Mayo are the toughest team at all levels of the game.
Who was the toughest player you have played against?
Mayo’s Cora Staunton.
Which players do you admire the most?
The current Sligo captain Bernice Byrne. She works so hard in training and is totally committed to achieving the best for Sligo football.
Who was your childhood hero?
I always played in goals so I really looked up to Packie Bonner and Peter Schmeichel.
What club do you play for and who are your biggest rivals?
I play Intermediate football with St Nathy’s in Tubbercurry and Geevagh would be our biggest rivals on the county scene.
Do you have any superstitions?
I wear the same socks and shorts for each game.
What’s the most important skill for a goalkeeper, in your opinion?
Being a goalie is all about concentration and communication. Also try to stay alert at all times as that will help you read the play a lot better.
What advice would you give to young players?
Train hard and most of all enjoy the game. If you put in the work you will get the reward.
What are your hopes for the future?
After winning the Junior last year we are stepping up to Senior level this year. We are really looking forward to competing with the best teams in the land.
Name: Katrina Connolly
Age: 25
Team: Sligo
Debut: 1996 v Fermanagh
Position: Goalkeeper
Honours:
1 All-Ireland Junior title,
3 Connacht Junior titles,
1 All-Star Award,
Sligo Ladies Gaelic Footballer of the Year 2006.
Club: St Nathy’s
Fav Food: Chicken
Fav Book: Roy Keane Book
Fav Music: Westlife
Fav Film: Miss Congeniality
Fav TV: Friends
Fav Team: Man Utd
Occupation: Sales Assistant
CúlFACT: Not only is Katrina a Gaelic football star, she has also played in goals for the Irish Ladies Soccer team. © March 2007 |
