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

It was a fantasy football moment for Bronagh O’Donnell last September as she captained Armagh to win the TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Junior Football title with a victory over Sligo at Croke Park. It was the culmination of many years of hard work that saw Armagh climb up through the Ladies football ranks to take their place amongst the elite of the game.

The year ahead sees the Orchard girls playing in Div 1 of the National League for the first time ever. With Kerry, Mayo, Waterford, Dublin and Tyrone as company, it won’t be easy but Bronagh feels that they will be trying their best to keep playing at the highest level.

Playing at centre half-back, the Crossmaglen star has been the driving force in Armagh’s recent success and she is looking forward to the challenges ahead on the Ulster and All-Ireland stage. After many years of glory for the Armagh men, she feels it’s time for the Ladies to shine.

What has been your greatest moment in sport?
Winning the All-Ireland Junior title in 2005. It was a brilliant occasion and going up to lift the cup in front of such a big crowd was awesome.

Which is the toughest team you have ever faced?
Donegal are always very strong - but we beat them in National League in 2005.

Who was the toughest opponent you ever played against?
Ailish Gormley who plays for Tyrone. She is one of the hardest forwards to mark in the game.

How do you balance your job and football?
I work in Belfast so it can be quite difficult at times. There is a lot of travel
but, all in all, it is worth it.

Which players do you admire the most?
Our very own Paul McGrane and Jenny Greenan, who plays at centre half-back for
Monaghan - one of the finest footballers in the country at the moment.

What club do you play for and who are your biggest rivals?
I play for Crossmaglen Rangers and Clann Eireann from Lurgan, would be our biggest rivals. It’s nearly always the two of us battling it out for the honours and last year they beat us in the County final.

Do you play any other sports?
I play a bit of basketball and I used to play camogie.

What are your hopes for the future?
With the county, it would be great to stay in Div 1 and keep playing at the highest level possible. Closer to home, I want to do my best to win back the Armagh Club Championship.

What advice would you give to young players?
You get out what you put in, so train hard but most of all, enjoy the game!

© March 2006