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
Mags McAlinden’s world revolves around the GAA. When she is not playing Ladies Gaelic football at the highest level for Armagh she is promoting the game as a Primary School Coach with the Ulster Council. Work hard, play hard, she loves it!
In 2005, Armagh made it all the way to the All-Ireland Junior final where they defeated Sligo in a thrilling encounter, with Mags chipping in with 3 points. Becoming Junior champions meant they were promoted to Senior level and they have done well at the top, reaching the Senior final in 2006 where they lost out to Cork by a single point. This year Armagh came through the League to make it to the quarter-final where they lost to an improving Dublin side in a scoreline of 1-07 to 0-06, with Mags chipping in with 5 of the Orchard County’s 6 points. With the Championship around the corner, she is all fired up and can’t wait to take on Tyrone. With a bit of luck and a lot of hard work she hopes to make it back to a big final in Croker this year.
You reached the quarter-final of the National League campaign, you must be looking forward to the Championship?
Yes, really looking forward to our Championship game against Tyrone, they are big rivals and they always provide a good match. We beat them in the League by a single point so the Championship match will be all to play for.
What has been your greatest moment in sport?
Winning the All-Ireland final with Armagh in 2005 was something else.
Which is the toughest team you have faced?
Cork, who else!
Who was your toughest ever opponent?
Cork’s Angela Walsh.
Which players do you admire the most?
I personally admire all of my club team-mates, 11 of us are on the County squad and I have a lot of respect and admiration for them all.
Who was your childhood sporting hero?
Gerard Houlahan of Armagh.
What club do you play for and who are your biggest rivals?
Clann Éireann and our biggest rivals would be Monaghan’s Donaghmoyne on the Ulster scene.
What is your best Club memory?
Winning the Ulster Club Championship and reaching the All-Ireland Club Final.
What’s the most important skill in your opinion?
I think most important skill is your first touch of the football, if you have a good first touch you will go a long way.
What advice would you give to young players coming through the ranks?
Always work hard and the best advice I would give to young players is to go out and enjoy your football no matter what.
What are your hopes for the future?
Hopefully to go on and win loads of All-Ireland Senior Club and County titles. That would be nice!
STATS
Name: Maighdlin McAlinden
Age: 25
Team: Armagh
Debut: 2000 v Cavan
Position: Forward
Honours:
1 All-Ireland Junior title,
1 National League Div 2 title,
4 Ulster Senior titles,
1 Ulster Senior Club title
6 Armagh Senior titles,
9 Armagh Div 1 Club titles,
1 Interprovincial title,
1 O’Connor Cup title,
1 Dowd Cup title,
1 All-Ireland 7s title.
Club: Clann Éireann
Fav Food: Chicken Curry
Fav Band: Snow Patrol
Fav Book: Harry Potter
Fav TV: Prison Break
Fav Film: Home Alone
Hobbies: Irish dancing and swimming.
Occupation: Ulster Council Primary School Coach
CúlFACT:
Both Mags and her Dad have played in All-Ireland finals in Croke Park but however, Mags was the only one to come away with an medal. |
