Clare take on Tipperary today in the Munster Intermediate Ladies Football Final, captain Laurie Ryan is ready for the challenge.
Speaking ahead of the provincial decider, the Clare defender urged supporters from the County to get behind the team. “I think it’s going to be a brilliant match, both teams are going to go hell for leather and the skill level in any ladies football game is brilliant so I’d really encourage anyone to come out to Mallow if they have the time, just support the players and the effort they’ve put in aswell”.
It’s a chance for the County to win their first Munster Intermediate title since 2008 and Ryan insists that Clare are prepared for the difficult obstacle that is Tipperary standing in their way.
“They’re going really well and I suppose winning matches builds up positivity inside the camp and they were very unlucky in both league finals, there were times when they pulled away in both of them so we know what we have to do and we’re familiar with playing against the likes of Tipp and Waterford. We know they’re a new look team this year and we’re wary going into it”.
Laurie is looking forward to what she calls a “huge” game. She says the return of Niamh O’Dea and Louise Henchy, both clubmates of hers at the Banner Ladies club, has lifted the squad this year. “We’ve got a few girls in aswell the likes of Louise Henchy, Niamh O’Dea back playing and we even got new players like Roisin Considine who wouldn’t have actually played with us that much so it’s great to get new players in and new faces”.
She pays tribute to the positive impact of new manager Neil Moynihan and Ryan has the feeling that this year’s panel is more united than recent seasons. “We’ve a small panel and that’s one thing that will be evident when anyone looks at a programme but we’re really gelled as a team so that’s one thing that has changed this year”.
Mallow is the venue for Clare vs Tipperary in the Munster Ladies Football Intermediate Championship Final which throws-in at 3pm.