Mullagh must hit ground running for big Croke Park test
WHEN the curtain came down on the 2013 county decider, many wondered had this Mullagh team missed the boat. A young, lively Ardrahan side had caused a shock and clinched senior glory. Their opponents were unbeaten all year, but the biggest prize eluded them.
Twelve months later, they atoned to bridge a 21-year gap and haven’t looked back since. The three All-Ireland finalists from the last two years have been cast aside during the green and gold’s march towards redemption. And if they can slay the 2012 holders in their final quest, a record 24-year gap will link a generation.
Mullagh finally secured the county title last October when they defeated Ardrahan 4-6 to1-8 and after accounting for reigning champions Milford last month, they meet Oulart-The-Ballagh in the All-Ireland senior camogie final on Sunday (3.15pm Croke Park).
Despite an early Leona Monaghan goal, Mullagh were 0-9 to 1-2 behind and not looking likely to break the resilient Cork defence. But when Rachel Monaghan won a penalty, everything changed as they wore down their opponents.
Skill was always a strong point for this side, but when under the cosh, Mullagh rolled their sleeves up after a nervous beginning to take the game to Milford and late points for Monaghan and Bowes carried the day.
Confidence shouldn’t be an issue now even if their ability to hold their nerve will be questioned, but they have five players who won All-Irelands with Galway and a solid balance throughout the team.
Catriona Daly is a three-time Poc Fada runner-up; Sarah Dervan at full-back is a two-time All-Star as is Sinead Cahalan at number six. Jennifer Coone has an intermediate title with Galway while Ciara Donohue, Deirdre Kelly and Niamh O’Brien are dogged fearless workers.
Another Galway star Therese Manton occupies midfield with Leona Monaghan while in attack, Mullagh have plenty of options. Cathy Bowes, Colette Glennon and Patricia Manning are mobile half-forwards with Rachel Monaghan, Karen Kennedy and Aoife Donohue dangerous on their day.
Full preview and interviews in this week's Connacht Tribune.