Newcomers Naomh Abán face Aghada as Cork ladies football finals take centre stage at MTU

It’s a busy weekend of action in the Cork Credit Unions Cork Ladies Football Club Championship, with at least eight finals taking place across tomorrow and Sunday at MTU.

Sunday promises a great double-header with the emerging force of Naomh Aban looking to complete a remarkable rise in the Senior A decider and two familiar rivals renewing battle in the Senior B decider.

The Senior A final between Naomh Abán and Aghada is at 4pm and before that in the Senior B final holders Glanmire will take on Clonakilty at 2pm.

The rise of Naomh Abán has been one they must have pinched themselves about at times over the last few years. Just 12 months ago they finally broke their intermediate championship hoodoo at the third attempt. Now, in their first season at the top flight, they find themselves preparing for a senior county final.

They had good wins in the group stages with victories over Castlehaven, Glanmire and O'Donovan Rossa before producing the shock of the championship in the semi-final, edging reigning champions Éire Óg 1-7 to 0-9.

That victory announced their arrival as genuine contenders, but captain Amy McDonagh insists reaching the decider has exceeded even the squad's expectations.

"I don't think we saw ourselves here at the start of the year," Amy admitted. "When we finally won intermediate last year we thought it might be a slow build in senior. To go straight into a senior final is a big jump that we probably weren't expecting, but we're delighted to be there."

The achievement is more impressive given the youth within the squad. McDonagh estimates the average age of the team is around 18, with underage county stars sprinkled throughout a talented panel that includes the likes of Grace Murphy, Rosie Corkery and a host of emerging talents.

Standing in their way is an Aghada side that have looked every bit the championship favourites.

The East Cork outfit are unbeaten this season, recording group-stage wins over Naomh Abán, Castlehaven, Glanmire and O'Donovan Rossa before dispatching Mourneabbey 4-8 to 3-9 in a thrilling semi-final. Having won the senior title two seasons ago and lost last year's final, motivation has hardly been in short supply.

Vice-captain Clare Walsh revealed the determination within the camp saw players return to preparations as early as November.

"We gathered back early and said we'd give it another crack this year," she said. "We took a different approach and tried to bring the fun back into football, and so far it's working out well."

Aghada's blend of experience and youth has been a major factor in their consistency. Leaders such as captain Róisín Phelan continue to set standards while Cork stars and emerging players ensure fierce competition for places.

Add in others like Rachel and Sarah Leahy and Abigail Ring and they are not short of match-winning players.

While Aghada are favourites, Walsh was quick to dismiss any notion that Naomh Abán are unexpected finalists.

"We played them in the round-robin and the scoreboard didn't reflect how competitive that game was," she said. "They are a fantastic team and beating Éire Óg shows exactly what they're capable of."

Naomh Abán, meanwhile, are embracing underdog status.

"I don't mind it," McDonagh said. 

There is less pressure on us. Éire Óg were favourites in the semi-final too and we managed to get over the line."

Aghada's championship experience gives them the edge, but Naomh Abán have already shown this year they are more than capable of causing an upset.

Familiar foes

The Senior B decider is a meeting between two clubs who know all about success at this level and all about each other.

Holders Glanmire return to the final after a dominant 4-15 to 0-9 semi-final victory over St Val's.

In the group stages they had wins over Castlehaven and Kinsale, but lost to Aghada and Naomh Abán, leaving them third in the section and qualifying for the Senior B semi-final.

Captain Ally McCarthy believes the club continues to grow with every season at senior level.

"We're still trying to find our feet," she said. "Our team is constantly evolving but we're thoroughly enjoying it. We have a very young team and there's a lot of youth coming through this year which has made a huge difference."

Glanmire's experience of winning this competition last year could prove valuable, as could the influence of county players such as Abi O'Mahony, whom McCarthy describes as "so knowledgeable and motivational".

They will take on a Clon side determined to avenge last year’s semi-final loss to Glanmire in this competition.

The West Cork outfit captured the Senior B crown two seasons ago before that semi-final loss last year.

They earned another crack at the champions after defeating Castlehaven 2-9 to 1-9 in a fiercely contested West Cork semi-final derby.

Clonakilty finished third in their group after victories over Kinsale and St Val's, while defeats to Éire Óg and Mourneabbey ultimately denied them a place in the Senior A knockout stages.

Captain Kate O'Donovan says last year's semi-final loss has provided plenty of motivation.

"We talked about it and picked bits and pieces that we can improve on. We're definitely using it as motivation," said Kate.

Like Glanmire, Clonakilty boast a youthful squad with several emerging players stepping up following departures and changes within the panel.

The West Cork side also carry fond memories of their triumph two years ago and the Munster campaign that followed.

"Just remember how it feels when you win," O'Donovan said. 

That's definitely a form of motivation for the match."

With Glanmire seeking back-to-back titles and Clonakilty chasing redemption after last year's disappointment, the ingredients are there for a highly competitive opener.

The holders possess valuable experience and momentum, but Clonakilty's blend of youth, hunger and the memory of last year's defeat could make them dangerous opponents.

FIXTURES 

SATURDAY

Cork Credit Unions Intermediate final: Bride Rovers v Inch Rovers, MTU, 4pm.

Cork Credit Unions Junior A final: Carrigaline v Erin’s Own, MTU, 2pm.

Cork Credit Unions Junior B final: Bandon v Ilen Rovers, MTU pitch 4, 1pm.

Cork Credit Unions Junior E final: St Colum’s v St Catherine’s, MTU pitch 4, 3pm.

SUNDAY 

Cork Credit Unions Senior A final: Naomh Aban v Aghada, MTU, 4pm.

Cork Credit Unions Senior B final: Clonakilty v Glanmire, MTU, 2pm.

Cork Credit Unions Junior D final: Courcey Rovers v St Michael’s, MTU pitch 4, 3pm.

Cork Credit Unions Junior F final: Banteer v Dripsey, MTU pitch 4, 1pm.