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
The Kerry girls are a team on the up. They have been playing some super football this year, with victories over Armagh, Mayo and Tyrone, and a mighty win over Galway in the semi-final to reach the National League final. It was disappointment in the final though as they lost out to All-Ireland champions Cork in a scoreline of 6-13 to 2-10.
Free-scoring half-forward, Patrice Dennehy, is one of the stars of the team, chipping in with 3 goals and 8 points during the National League. With the Championship around the corner, Patrice is all fired up and can’t wait to take on the big guns again as they go in search of honours. Kerry last won the All-Ireland title back in 1993 and with a bit of luck and a lot of hard work, the Laune Rangers star hopes to fulfill her dream of playing in a big final in Croker this year.
You had a good run in the League. What are you most looking forward to about the Championship?
A lengthy campaign, our first aim is to qualify for the Munster final because it is one of the toughest provinces to get out of. I hope we give it our best shot and try our hardest to reach Croke Park in September.
What have been your greatest moments in sport?
Captaining Kerry to win the U-16 All-Ireland, winning the O'Connor Cup with UL and also captaining St Pats to win their first Kerry Senior County Championship back in 2004.
Which is the toughest team you have ever faced?
Every team is tough now and there are no pushovers, but we have had great battles with Cork.
Who was the toughest opponent you ever faced?
Any back you come up against at this level is difficult.
How do you balance your job and football?
It's easy because I love football and have been doing it for so long now that I’m used to it.
Which player do you admire the most?
Seamus Moynihan, a legend in Kerry Football.
Who were your childhood sporting heroes?
Forwards like Mickey Linden, Trevor Giles and Michael Donnellan in Gaelic football and Michael Owen in soccer.
What club do you play for and who are your biggest rivals?
I play with the Laune Rangers club. This is our first year as a Senior club after winning the Intermediate Championship last season. Our main rivals would be Southern Gaels.
What’s the most important skill in the game, in your opinion?
To be able to play with both feet.
What are your hopes for the future?
To win a Senior All-Ireland with Kerry.
What advice would you give to young players?
Always listen to your coaches, practise your skills but most of all enjoy the game.
STATS
Name: Patrice Dennehy
Age: 25
Team: Kerry
Debut: 1999 v Cork
Position: Centre Half-Forward
Honours:
1 Munster Senior title,
1 U-16 All-Ireland title,
1 U-14 All-Ireland title,
1 All-Ireland Junior Club title,
1 U-14 Féile Peil na nÓg All-Ireland title,
5 County Senior titles,
1 O'Connor Cup Colleges All-Ireland title,
1 O'Rourke Colleges All-Ireland title,
1 Senior Schools All-Ireland title,
3 Junior Schools All-Ireland titles,
3 Interprovencial Cups with Munster.
Club: Laune Rangers
Fav food: Chicken
Fav book: Any sports book
Fav band: Snow Patrol
Fav movie: The Bourne Ultimatum
Fav TV show: CSI
Hobbies: Soccer and Music
Occupation: Work with Kerry County Council
CúlFACT: Patrice won County Championships at 5 different levels with her club Beaufort in 1997. That was at U-14, U-16, Minor, Junior and Senior level. Wow!.
© May 2008 |
