Staging Cork ladies football league game in Naomh Abán was huge success

Naomh Abán can be proud of successfully staging last Sunday’s Lidl LGFA National League Division 2 fixture between Cork and Clare.

The Baile Mhuirne club hosted a competitive LGFA inter-county match for the first time, a game in which Cork sealed promotion back to Division 1.

An army of volunteers helped run off a successful event in which a huge crowd was treated to an entertaining game won 1-12 to 0-7 by the hosts.

For three Naomh Abán players, Amy McDonagh, Lydia McDonagh and Rosie Ní Chorcora, it proved an extra-special afternoon.

Getting to wear the famous red jersey in front of their home supporters and gain a victory over Clare made for a memorable occasion.

“I wouldn’t say there were too many nerves but there was a good bit of excitement around the village leading up to the game alright,” Rosie Ní Chorcora said.

“We got unbelievable support again today from the club. It was great to see the young kids around and loads of support as well. Hopefully, this will act as an encouragement for them to stick with the sport and continue to support Cork football.” 

Aside from the occasion itself, Ní Chorcora admitted it was important Cork got the job done and gained promotion back to Division 1.

BUZZING

“We are buzzing to be back up in Division 1 again next year,” Ní Chorcora added.

“I suppose it was a bit disheartening to be relegated down to Divisions 2 last year. Look, we are back where we want to be.

“That was our aim for the year, to get back to Divison 1, and that is what we have done. We are happy enough to have gotten the win over Clare.” 

The McDonagh sisters, Amy and Lydia, were equally pleased to have gained promotion on their home ground and in front of many of their local Naomh Abán supporters.

“We went out today and it was just head down and win the game,” Lydia McDonagh admitted. “This win just makes things a bit more comfortable before heading up to Donegal next weekend.” 

“Everyone on the bench got a run today,” added Amy McDonagh.

It is great to see all these people getting games. Going up to Donegal, we have that bit of leeway now.

“I suppose, yeah, I did feel that extra bit of pressure playing on our home ground because it was very important we won this game.

“The crowd showed up and there was great support from all the fans. It was a great day, thank God.” 

The McDonagh sisters are well established in the Naomh Abán setup as is their father, Noel, who coaches the team. So, were there any last-minute bits of advice ahead of the big Clare match?

“To be fair, he left us alone alright,” Lydia McDonagh laughed. “Yesterday he was telling us to just play our own games. That is what we did and we took what he said on board.

“It would be great to get another Cork game down here again. The whole place looked great. To be fair, the Naomh Abán committee worked really hard to make everything great for us.” 

“I’d love to see another game here,” Amy McDonagh concluded.

Any games outside of the city are always a big attraction. The amount of effort the club put into this event was great. 

"It was fantastic to see such a big crowd here and everyone seemed to enjoy the day out.” 

On a day Cork returned to Division 1, Naomh Abán showed why they are in the county’s top tier when it comes to hosting big events