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 
This year has been a big year for Ladies Football in Cavan. They finally won the Ulster Junior title beating a well fancied Fermanagh by 2-09 to 1-09 in a thrilling decider in St. Tiernach’s Park, Clones last month. It was a massive breakthrough for the Cavan ladies after a number of disappointments in Provincial finals. In the last five years they had competed in three Ulster finals with nothing to show for it. Finally, all the hard work had paid off.
It was a great day for Grainne Smith, who not only captained the team, but also gave a great display chipping in with 2 goals and 2 points of Cavan’s total. The Killygarry sharpshooter, who is also a top camogie player, is looking forward to the challenges ahead and hopes they can build on this year’s success. Her ambition is to play at Senior level on the inter-county stage. If she keeps leading her team as she has been doing, maybe her dreams will come true.
What has been your greatest moment in sport?
Winning the Ulster Junior title this year was my greatest sporting moment and
being the Captain made it even better. It was my 4th final in five years and our
first time winning.
Who was the toughest team you ever faced?
We played the Donegal Junior team before they went up to play at Senior level. They were one of the toughest teams around.
Who is the toughest opponent you have faced?
Meath’s Jenny Rispin.
Which players do you admire the most?
I really admire the O’Donnell sisters from Armagh; Bronagh and Alma. They are real stars and won the Ulster Senior Championship this year.
Who was your childhood hero?
Dermot McCabe who plays for Cavan.
What club do you play for and who are your biggest rivals?
I play for Killygarry in the Junior Championship and Gowna would be our biggest rivals. We have had lots of tussles with them.
Do you play any other sports?
Camogie and soccer.
What are your hopes for the future?
I would love to go on and win a Junior All-Ireland title and take the step up to
Senior level.
What advice would you give to young players?
Keep practising, keep positive and try to ignore negative and unhelpful thoughts.
© September 2006 |
