*Fidelma Marrinan gets away from Ruth Sargent. Photograph: Burren Eye Photography.
CLARE’S intermediate ladies footballers will be bidding to reach the All-Ireland semi-final for the second year in a row.
Wayne Freeman’s side welcome Westmeath to Cusack Park this Sunday. The 2pm start time will preclude many ladies football supporters from making the journey to Croke Park to support the county’s senior hurlers but their focus is firmly fixed on reaching the last four, once again.
Currently unbeaten in the championship following comprehensive wins over Offaly and Wicklow, Clare finished up their group stages with a draw against Tyrone which sealed them top spot and most importantly a home quarter-final.
Freeman will be looking to top scorer Fidelma Marrinan to continue her rich vein of form, she is currently a leading contender for the 2023 ZuCar Golden Boot Award with 2-19 clocked up already in the championship. Joining Marrinan in attack will be Chloe Moloney and Lizzy Roche.
Siofra Ní Chonaill and Caoimhe Harvey will take central roles in the Clare defence where they are expected to be joined by Louise Griffin and Sinead Considine with the experience of Laurie Ryan a huge asset to the side.
After a player of the game performance versus Tyrone, Aisling Reidy of St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield is set to continue in the middle of the park.
Kildare native Freeman who is in his first season as manager is hopeful Clare can back up the promise they have shown. “We are in a good place overall. I honestly believe we are the best team in the competition. We are aiming to go all the way. We just have to believe in ourselves. We have some outstanding footballers and each day we go out someone stands up”.
He added, “To be honest I don’t care who we play because I believe we are the best team but it’s easier not to be travelling. Hopefully we can perform to our optimum from here on in and we will be a force if we do”.
