Cork ladies footballers are huge underdogs in Dublin

TOMORROW could be a tough day for Cork ladies’ football as the senior team take on Dublin in the Lidl NFL at DCU St Clare’s (4.30pm).

Unless a lot of things go Cork’s way, it will confirm their relegation from the top flight of ladies’ football. Cork are currently on three points and bottom of the table; if they lose tomorrow they will be relegated with a game to play.

There are lots of contributing factors to Cork being in this position. A look at their squad shows that in the region of 10 experienced players are no longer available to manager Shane Ronayne and his selectors.

That’s simply too many gone at the same time. Add in injuries to Katie Quirke, Shauna Kelly, Rachel Leahy, and Eimear Kiely, and you could argue that Cork are down a full side.

That’s no disrespect to the players coming through; there is talent there, but they need time to bridge the gap from minor to senior football; something Cork don’t have.

Earlier this week, star players Ciara and Doireann O’Sullivan confirmed their departure from inter-county football. For one to go is a huge loss, never mind two at the same time. Others missing this year include Meabh O’Sullivan, Eimear Meaney, Brid O’Sullivan, and Laura Fitzgerald.

Some have gone travelling, while others have had to step away as they recover from long-term injuries.

Other losses to Cork, of star quality over the last few years, include Erika O’Shea, now playing Aussie Rules; Saoirse Noonan, now playing professional soccer; and Eimear Scally, currently travelling.

The list goes on and it’s a tough position that Ronayne finds himself in.

Add in the retiring Roisín Phelan, a player who never looked for the limelight and preferred to let her football do the talking. Her loss to the Cork defence cannot be understated. Without a doubt one of the best defenders to have played at inter-county level, she is the type of player that every manager wants.

She gives everything, game after game, never lets you down, is willing to put her body on the line to block a shot, and never complains.

Phelan just got on with it and is the type of player who inspires all those around her, be it during a game or in training.

Losing Phelan is as big a blow to Cork as the O’Sullivans’ departures but may not get the same recognition due to sisters’ famed scoring prowess. Phelan has five senior All-Ireland medals and was an All-Star in 2018.

After her departure was confirmed, Ronayne paid tribute to Phelan saying: “We are very sorry to see Roisín not coming back this year. She has given Cork ladies’ football stellar service throughout her time playing with the seniors.

A fantastic player-marking defender, whose ability to read the game was second to none, as was her ball-blocking prowess, which inspired her team-mates on so many occasions.

“Her calmness and leadership shone through in every game. For many of her years with Cork, Roisín used to commute to training from Dublin, where she was based, which showed her true commitment to her county.

“Everyone involved with the senior team would like to congratulate Roisín on all her achievements with Cork and wish her well in her professional and personal lives and with her club, Aghada.”

All of those departures leaves Cork one loss from relegation, but there is still plenty to be optimistic about. Aoife Healy gave a simply outstanding display for UCC in the O’Connor Cup final last Saturday and was named player of the game, despite her side losing to DCU.

Some talented young players are coming through in the likes of Laura O’Mahony, Amy McDonagh, Abigail Ring, Caoimhe Richmond, Anna Ryan, and Sadhbh O’Leary.

Add in the likes of Melissa Duggan, Maire O’Callaghan, Libby Coppinger and Daire Kiely and you can see Cork building for the future.

It would be a surprise if Dublin don’t win tomorrow, but one thing you can be sure of, Cork will give it everything and will be hell-bent on causing an upset and keeping their slim survival hopes alive for another week.