In pictures: ‘Never give up,’ young fans tell Rebel ladies ahead of All-Ireland finals 

Ahead of tomorrow’s camogie All-Ireland finals, locals at Sarsfields GAA club are hopeful of seeing another victory trip down the River Lee with the O’Duffy Cup.

At a family-friendly meet-up on Wednesday evening, club members, players, friends, and neighbours gathered at the grounds in Ballinglanna to show their support for the senior ladies camogie team.

With children and adults alike decked out in their finest Cork jerseys, bucket hats, and rebel horns, there was an air of excitement settling on the field as people came together to wish their local players the best of luck before tomorrow’s game.

Speaking on the day to The Echo, Sarsfields superfans Mia Hogan, 9, and Millie Pike, 9, who attend “every match”, said they are delighted for their local players and are looking forward to cheering them on this weekend.

“I can’t wait to go on Sunday,” said Millie, who was giddy with excitement.

“They have an absolute chance at winning, I think the score will be 3-15 to 1-17. I would say to them best of luck, and to keep concentrated.

“I’d love to play an All-Ireland one day,” she added.

Backing her friends’ sentiment, Mia said confidently: “They’re definitely going to win. I want to tell them to never give up. Up the Rebels!”

Friendship bracelets 

The superfan support didn’t stop there, as local girls Megan Buckley, 11; Holly Donnacliffe, 10; and Laura Sullivan, 10, came to the event with a special Taylor Swift-inspired gift to present to senior team captain Molly Lynch, as well as players Orlaith and Clare Mullins.

“We were doing a charity friendship bracelet sale in our estate for My Canine Companion,” said Megan, who plays for the U11s Sarsfield camogie team.

“Me, Holly, and Laura and two other girls were all doing it for the past two weeks — and we raised €460 — so we said that we’d make some bracelets for the Cork players too and give them to them. We’re really excited for their match.

“I would just say to them best of luck.”

Holly, who plays for the Sarsfields U10s camogie team, said: “I’m really excited. We go to as many matches as we can, so we’re really looking forward to it.

“I would tell them good luck and to enjoy the game.”

Laura, who also plays for the Sarsfields U10s camogie team said: “I’m very excited for Sunday. “I want to wish them good luck and to say have fun playing.”

Buzzing

Set to compete against Galway at Croke Park, the ladies’ team is full of anticipation for the upcoming match, with Sarsfields GAA club member and team captain Molly Lynch speaking to The Echo before Wednesday’s event.

“I’m feeling very good,” she said. 

“We’re buzzing, we’ve trained hard the last couple of weeks, it was always something to focus on.

“Our coach Liam has been great; we have a new aim every training session, so it’s all gone well, really.

“I’m looking forward to going down to the club now.

“They’re a great bunch, and loads of them go to all our matches, which is really nice to see.

“It’ll be great to meet them all a couple of days before the match,” she added.

“In terms of the intermediates, we’ve watched them play all year and we played them in a league match earlier this year. They’re a great team, so we wish them well, we have no doubt.

“Hopefully, they do the job now on Sunday.”

Speaking on any plans to revisit their victory journey down the Lee River, Ms Lynch said: “All going well now next week, hopefully the O’Duffy [Cup] will be going down the Lee again.”