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 | Denise Masterson
Mags McAlinden | Niamh Kindlon
DUBLIN’S CLASS ACT!
Dublin’s Denise Masterson, wants to get her hands on some silverware this summer. And we’re not just talking Leinster, she wants to go all the way and get her hands on the biggest prize in ladies football, the Brendan Martin Cup. With Denise at midfield, the Dubettes have been playing some great football this year, making a dream start to the National League campaign, winning their first 3 games with a wonder victory over Galway where they had 15 points to spare. The Naomh Mearnog star played a blinder that day, controlling the midfield and setting up many scoring chances for the forwards and ensuring that they made the knockout stages of the League, something which they missed out on last year. The teacher, based in Dublin, will be hoping that they will carry this good form into the Championship and with players like Sinéad Aherne and Lyndsey Davey around they could be the team to rattle the mighty Cork off their pedestal.
Your form has been good in the League. What are you most looking forward to about the Championship?
We will be trying to maintain the League form and I hope we give it our best shot and try our hardest to reach Croke Park in September. We are playing some nice football at the moment so it’s looking positive.
What have been your greatest moments in sport?
Winning the Leinster Championship last year was great, we hadn’t won it for a while so it was great to be back.
Which is the toughest team you have ever faced?
It goes without saying, Cork.
Who was the toughest opponent you ever faced?
When I played at full-back I came up against Cork’s Mary O’Connor and she was a hard player to mark. I would also have to mention Kildare’s Bríd Leahy.
Which player do you admire the most?
Our own Sinéad Aherne, she is one of the best full-forwards around at the moment.
Who were your childhood sporting heroes?
I was always a big fan of Lance Armstrong.
What club do you play for and who are your biggest rivals?
I play with Naomh Mearnog and Ballyboden St Endas would be our biggest rivals. We won the All-Ireland Club 7s title last year which was a great achievement.
What’s the most important skill in the game, in your opinion?
Good ball control and speed.
What advice would you give to young players?
Enjoy the game and embrace the team. You will make great friends through sport and these experiences will stand to you for the rest of your life.
What are your hopes for the future?
The main aim for all of us is to win a Senior All-Ireland with Dublin. Here’s hoping!
STATS
Name: Denise Masterson
Age: 29
Team: Dublin
Debut: 2004 v Kildare
Position: Midfield
Honours:
3 Leinster Senior titles,
1 National Football League Div 2 title,
1 All-Ireland Club 7s title,
1 Dublin Junior C title,
1 All-Star Nomination.
Club: Naomh Mearnog
Fav food: Apples
Fav Music:Ray LaMontagne
Fav book: Shantaram
Fav movie: Dumb and Dumber
Hobbies: Basketball
Occupation: Teacher
CúlFACT:
When Denise was younger she played Netball for Ireland and one of her greatest
days was when they beat England. |
