Melissa Duggan on Cork's league final win: We're a team that never gives up...

It was a day they will remember for some time for the Cork ladies footballers as they won the Lidl NFL Division 1 title for the first time since 2019.

A late charge by Cork, which yielded 2-3 without reply saw them emerge winners by 2-8 to 0-9.

One of few players that was involved in that win and again last Saturday was Melissa Duggan.

Speaking after the game she said they were disappointed in their showing in the first half but delighted to win in the end.

“We were very disappointed going in at half-time, like only having two points on the board. 

I know we were against the wind, but we still felt like we didn't play to our full potential that we had in the league.

“So, you know, there was, I suppose, a regrouping at half-time and we just knew if we were anywhere near them in the last 15 minutes, that our fitness levels would stand to us.

“We know Galway are a serious outfit, they have pace to burn, their forwards are excellent. We knew that it was going to be a tough challenge, but we knew going in at half-time that we were still in the game, and I think that's what mattered.

“We're a team now that will never give up. We are kind of resilient, we've had a lot of hard losses throughout the years, especially with this group.

“We just knew that if we kept the game close, we could hopefully try and turn it around.

“I'm delighted just for this group of girls. You know, we haven't won a trophy in a long time, and I'm just delighted for the support and our families because they've stuck with us, especially through the hard times.”

FLYING FIT

While Melissa was picking up another medal, Grace Murphy was picking up her first at senior level with Cork. The Naomh Abán star was one of the key players for the Rebels in their march to the league final.

“I think it really comes down to all the work that we put in at the start of the year,” said Grace.

“We did serious work in our fitness and everything and I think it's really coming into fruition now, which is just so great to see.

“It's just super to win, with what is a such a young squad overall. It's my first year on it. Some of the girls have been around and they've lost to Galway a fair amount.

“So, I think this is a great thing to see that we can beat them, get over that mental block, I suppose. 

Going into the championship now, we'll have a bit of confidence from that win.

“We're delighted to have it. We worked so hard to get here. Obviously, we were in Division 2 last year, so even staying up in Division 1 was the goal, so this is just such a huge bonus and we're delighted.

“I'm sure we'll enjoy the celebrations, but we will then turn our attentions to the Munster championship and prepare for that.”