*Siofra Ni Chonaill, left, and Aisling Reidy of Clare celebrate their side’s victory after the TG4 LGFA All-Ireland Intermediate Championship semi-final match between Antrim and Clare at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park, Longford. Photo by Tom Beary/Sportsfile
SIOFRA NÍ CHONAILL is in her sixth season with the Clare intermediate ladies footballers and is now preparing for a first All-Ireland final with the side.
Described by Clare boss Wayne Freeman as “a Rolls Royce” of a footballer, Siofra has had a magnificent season to date with the county reaching the National League final, winning the Munster B title and now advancing to the All-Ireland decider.
Full-back Siofra spoke to The Clare Echo following another impressive display, this time a four point win over the then unbeaten Antrim. “I just can’t believe it. I’m so happy, I can’t stop smiling. It’s the best day ever,” she admitted.
In what was a hugely entertaining battle Ní Chonaill was thrilled spectators in Longford were treated to a good game. “I’m delighted it was good to watch. Thankfully we had a great start but teams are always going to come back at you and enjoy their own purple patch. It’s about limiting the damage during that period”.
“We have great forwards and they got the scores so then it was up to us to do our jobs and defend. Thankfully we did and we are in the final” she says out of breath but beaming from ear to ear.
On her defining battle with Antrim star Orlaith Prenter, the beating heart of the Banner defence is as always gracious and complimentary of her teammates and her opponent. “The girls are an absolute credit. You couldn’t feel safer with them. Every single one of them deserves to be on that field. We feel so locked together that we know whoever comes in will do the job.
“Orlaith Prenter is some footballer. I’ve never played Antrim before so I didn’t know what to expect but I won’t forget her in a hurry . Right leg, left leg the girl had it and she is quality,” she added.
When Clare were reduced to fourteen with the sin binning of Ciara McCarthy, it was squeaky bum time but showing tremendous resilience they never panicked. “When we got the sin bin our character shone through. At times you wouldn’t even know we had fourteen. We pushed up on the kickouts and got it out of the danger areas. We just battled on for the ten minutes and crucially we didn’t concede a goal which was vital”.
A first appearance in Croke Park awaits the St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield clubwoman and she is eagerly anticipating this encounter with familiar foes Kildare. “I just can’t wait, it’s going to be unbelievable. The atmosphere, the crowds, I’m even getting nervous just thinking about it,” she laughs.
“It doesn’t matter who we will face, Aisling Reidy said this journey wasn’t going to end until Croke Park. I remember her saying at half time if you’re tired you’re not tired. You just have to keep going. It will be one unbelievable occasion but we will get ready for it. These girls will give their all. I cannot wait to be honest, I just cannot wait. We will be ready and we will give everything for each other and for the county,” Siofra stated.
