Cork ladies football champions Aghada take on an Éire Óg side in fifth successive final
Aghada's Hannah Looney in action against Mourneabbey's Maire O'Callaghan during the Cork Credit Unions Cork ladies SFC semi-final. Looney will be one of the key players for her side as they bid to retain their title tomorrow. Picture: Eddie O'Hare
It’s a busy weekend of games in the Cork Credit Unions championships, with the main event at MTU tomorrow.
On Sunday, games start at 1.30pm with the meeting of Glanmire and O’Donovan Rossa in the Senior B final, and that will be followed by the Senior A final at 4pm.
In that game, Aghada will be hoping to break Éire Óg’s hearts again as they bid to retain their title.
Last year it took a shoot-out to separate the two sides, and don’t be surprised if the same happens tomorrow. Éire Óg must be applauded for their determination and drive as they are in their fifth final in a row, but have yet to win one.
To keep coming back year after year shows, not just the quality in their side, but also their strength of character to do that.
They have come close on a number of occasions, especially last year, and Aghada will know that a stern test awaits them tomorrow.
Éire Óg had a good win over St Vals in the semi-final where their Cork players led by example. Emma Cleary hit 1-2, with Laura Cleary, Orlaith and Meabh Cahalane were also among their scores in a 1-16 to 1-7 win.
Others they will look to include Shauna Cronin, Isobel Sheehan, Meabh and Sadbh McGoldrick.
They can to into the final confident in their own ability and certainly won’t fear taking on Aghada.
The East Cork side were superb in their semi-final win over Mourneabbey and like Éire Óg have quality players all over the pitch.
In attack Hannah Looney, Kaitlin Smith, Abigail Ring are a handful for any defence. Behind them Sarah Leahy, Sally McAllister and Rachel Leahy anchor their defence.
But in the middle of the pitch is their key player in Roisin Phelan.
The former Cork star was simply outstanding against Mourneabbey and as captain of the side is never found wanting as she leads by example.
It has the potential to be a top-class game and to call a winner is virtually impossible, but Aghada get a tentative nod to retain their title.
Before them the clash of Glanmire and O’Donovan Rossa will be another close encounter, with the rise of the Skibb side to senior ranks over the last few seasons one any club would be proud of.
They are captained by Laura O’Mahony and in the likes of Eabha O’Donovan, Sarah Hurley, Fionnuala O’Driscoll and Allie Tobin they have players that know how to win and will put it up to Glanmire.
For their part Abbie O’Mahony, Ava Fitzgerald, Ellen Twomey, and Orlaith Roche will be among the players they will look to.
Glanmire have now established themselves at the top level and will be looking to push on over the next few seasons and a win tomorrow will be another move in that direction.
Meanwhile today Noamh Aban will be looking to reach the top flight, having fallen just short last year, as they face Midleton in the intermediate decider.
With the likes of Lydia and Amy McDonagh and Grace Murphy in their side they will be favourites to make the step up today.
Midleton v Naomh Aban, Cloughduv, 3pm.
Bantry Blues v Dohenys, Mayfield, 5pm.
Glanworth v Knocknagree, Castlemagner, 3pm.
Aghada v Éire Óg, MTU, 4pm.
Glanmire v O’Donovan Rossa, MTU, 1.30pm.
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