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
In Niamh Kindlon’s first season playing inter-county football she won an All-Ireland medal when beating the great Waterford, a moment she will never forget. Still only 27, Niamh is a veteran of the Ladies Football scene and since then she has led from the front for Monaghan with some great performances.
Earlier this year they reached the Ulster final only to lose to Tyrone, but after regrouping they hit the Championship trail with renewed vigour. A 13-point win over Down got them back on track, followed by a hard fought victory over Galway at the quarter-final stage. Niamh was the star for the Farney County on the day scoring a total of 8 points, to seal a memorable 1-point win to get into the last four. They met Mayo/Cork/Kerry in the semi-final and, despite scoring another 1-04, lost out on the dream of an All-Ireland date with Cork-getting back to Croker for the second year in-a-row. The three-time All-Star is looking forward to the challenges ahead and with players like Edel Byrne and Ciara McAnespie around the future looks bright for the Monaghan girls.
You had a good Championship run this year; you had a lot of pressure to live up to after last year’s success?
The team has gelled well together during the summer months, and I think the defeat to Tyrone in the Ulster final gave us a wake-up call and we grew in confidence then. Sometimes you need to lose to work out how to win!
What has been your greatest moment in sport?
Winning the 1997 All-Ireland Senior final with Monaghan when we beat a fancied Waterford team. It was my first year on the panel, which made it extra special, and I scored a goal in the first half to boot. A fantastic feeling.
Which is the toughest team you have faced?
We played Waterford a lot in the 90s and they were very hard to beat, a little like the Cork team are now.
Who was your toughest ever opponent?
Julie Ann Torpey was one of the best ever. She played in defence for Waterford when they were the top team in the 90s, yet she covered every blade of grass.
Who was your childhood sporting hero?
When I was young I was a big Aston Villa fan and Andy Townsend was my hero.
What club do you play for and who are your biggest rivals?
I play for Magheracloone at Senior level and our biggest rivals have always been Donaghmoyne.
What’s the most important skill in your opinion?
I think the most important skill is catching the ball and it is a skill that needs to be worked on all the time. There is nothing better then a good clean catch to gain possession of the ball.
What advice would you give to young players coming through the ranks?
Train hard, respect your mentors and above all, enjoy the game.
What are your hopes for the future?
To keep playing the game and stay injury-free.
STATS
Name: Niamh Kindlon
Age: 28
Team: Monaghan
Debut: 1997 v Mayo
Position: Full-Forward
Honours:
1 All-Ireland Senior title,
2 All-Ireland Minor titles,
2 National League titles,
4 Ulster Senior titles,
4 Ulster Minor titles,
1 All-Ireland U-14 title,
1 County Senior title,
3 All-Star Awards.
Club: Magheracloone
Fav Food: Chicken Curry
Fav Band: U2
Fav Book: P.S. I Love You
Fav TV: Prison Break
Fav Film: The Hangover
Hobbies: Soccer
Occupation: Plumber
CúlFACT:
Niamh was the Mascot with the Monaghan Junior team back in 1992 when they won the All-Ireland title. After that they turned Senior and 5 years later Niamh would be on the team. |
