Melissa Duggan on Cork's progess this season: We’ve both earned the right to be in league final

When the Cork ladies footballers take to the pitch at the TUS Gaelic Grounds in Limerick next Saturday at 5pm, it’s another major step in their return to the top flight of the game.

Not only is a Division 1 Lidl Ladies Football League title on the line, but the repeat pairing adds another layer of intrigue: Cork versus Galway, just as it was in last year’s Division 2 decider.

Add in the fact that the last time Cork won this title was 2019 and Galway were the side they beat in the decider.

This time, though, as star defender Melissa Duggan said, the mindset is entirely different.

“It’s kind of ironic really,” she said, reflecting on the matchup.

“Last year it was the Division 2 final, this year it’s Division 1 — but that just shows how well both teams have performed. We’ve both earned the right to be here.” 

Galway had the upper hand in that 2025 final, pulling away in the second half and Melissa remembers it clearly.

“We had a great first half last year, but Galway got away from us a bit after the break. That stuck with us. We want to be ready for them this time and hopefully get one back.” 

For Cork, the road back to the top tier came with its share of bruises.

The jump from Division 2 to Division 1 was bigger than some anticipated, and early results reflected that transition.

“It took us a while to get going,” Melissa said. “We learned a lot from last year’s defeats (in Munster and All-Ireland championships). Those heavy losses stay with you. But I think they're the reason we’re so resilient now. You could be down a goal or two, but we don’t panic anymore. We’ve just learned to keep the heads.” 

That resilience has been on display throughout this year’s league campaign. After a nervous opening-day draw with Kildare, Cork found their rhythm.

A lot of girls were getting their first senior starts that day. There were nerves, absolutely. But getting a point on the board settled us, and from there the confidence just grew.” 

They carried that momentum into a strong run of results, remaining unbeaten until their final round clash with Dublin — a game they almost rescued despite a slow start.

“We didn’t have the right attitude going in,” Melissa added. “Long journey, heads not quite right... not excuses, just facts. But the fight we showed in the second half was huge. 

"We could have won it only for their keeper pulling off some massive saves. That second-half performance is the one we want to bring to the final.” 

SMARTER DECISIONS

Key moments have defined Cork’s season, especially away from home.

“Armagh away was massive,” said Melissa, “It was a tight game, physical game, but our game management was excellent. Same with Waterford, there was just a point or two in it. Before, we might have lost games like that. Now we’re holding the ball when it matters. We’re making smarter decisions.” 

That experience will be essential against Galway, a team Cork now know as well as any in the country.

“We’ve played them two or three times a year lately. There are no surprises. They know us, we know them, and it’s going to go right to the wire. Galway are a fantastic side and are always tough to beat.” Some weren’t kind to Cork before a ball was kicked in January and had them tipped as relegation candidates.

“A lot of people were writing us off,” she added, “But we knew what we had in the group. We knew the work we’d done. And this is the final chance now to really prove them wrong.” 

For the older players, this final carries an added weight. The last time Cork contested a Division 1 final was 2021, when they fell to Dublin. It has been a long road back.

“We’ve been here before, but it’s been too long,” Duggan says. “Last year there was relief, we were delighted just to be promoted. 

This year is different, we’re not just happy to be here, we want to win. We want to show that Cork are back at the top again.” 

As the team puts the finishing touches to their preparation, Duggan is confident, but grounded.

“If we bring our passion, our pride, everything we’ve shown in the last six or seven games, we’ll give ourselves every chance. It’s Galway, it’s a final, it’s going to take everything. But we’re ready for that.”