Eoin Brennan previews the senior and intermediate ladies football championship finals taking place in Doonbeg this Sunday
Kilmihil v Banner Ladies at Shanahan McNamara Park Doonbeg, Sunday 3pm
Much like Kilmihil and Banner ladies will have an almost forensic knowledge of each other at this stage, there’s very little more than can be said when it comes to assessing this well-worn pairing that are contesting their sixth senior decider in seven seasons.
More than that though, this is Banner Ladies 15th consecutive final appearance, an unprecedented record in the county as they bid to secure a 13th crown in that time.
Only West Clare Gaels (2010) and Sunday’s opponents Kilmihil (2019) have interrupted that staggering power surge that still possesses an experienced core of Niamh O’Dea, Laurie Ryan, Grainne Nolan, Louise Henchy, Naomi Carroll, Louise Woods and Eva O’Dea.
Kilmihil’s team is also noteworthy for their winning knowhow as Ellie O’Gorman, Catriona Callinan, Micaela Glynn, Laura Egan, Becky Mahon and Cúil Gaels assists Tara Kelly, Ailish Kenny and Emma McMahon along with Galway native Dervla Higgins all possess vast inter-county experience.
While Emma McMahon is unlikely to recover in time to take her place on the Kilmihil team, 2022 has been the first time that injuries have really disrupted the Banner’s championship campaign as even currently, Aoibheann Malone is out, Siobhan McMahon and Louise Woods are abroad while there are doubts over Eva O’Dea and Clare Hehir.
If one or both are out, it does pose the question how JJ O’Dea and Co. will reshuffle his defensive pack as along with Louise Woods, Eva O’Dea and Clare Hehir were lynchpins in their miserly rearguard.
It should make for a fascinating contest between undoubtedly the best two sides in the county but while the chasing pack appear to be getting closer on the Banner, there still is a gap and it will take a near perfect display from Kilmihil, not unlike 2019, to upset those odds once more.
Verdict: Banner Ladies
Intermediate Ladies Football Championship Final
Fergus Rovers v Kilrush at Doonbeg at Shanahan McNamara Park Doonbeg, Sunday 12.30pm
It’s an intriguing final pairing, mainly due to their contrasting club paths as former greats Fergus Rovers, the winners of nine senior crowns and two Munster Senior Club Final appearances, have struggled to rebuild a new-look side capable of getting back to the summit of Clare since their relegation from senior in 2011.
Until now that is as it took a long period of underage work to finally reap the rewards of a first intermediate final appearance since that demotion, with the buzz and momentum of their recent All-Ireland Under 14 Community Games success, a Clare Under 14A title triumph over Kilrush and a long-awaited Minor A Final appearance making 2022 a real encouraging step in the right direction.
Kilrush’s meteoric ascension has been equally founded with youth as an exciting new crop of talent have emerged to not only garnered coveted A titles up to and including May’s Under 16A success but also propel their adult side to new heights following their County Junior triumph in 2020.
Therefore it’s predominantly down to which side can adapt to such a prestigious occasion and in that regard, Fergus Rovers may have the slightest of edges to complete their senior redemption.
Verdict: Fergus Rovers
Senior B and Intermediate Shield silverware is also up for grabs in Miltown this Saturday. 2020 senior finalists West Clare Gaels are anticipated to have the edge on experience against momentum-fuelled 2021 intermediate winners Burren Gaels in the Senior B decider at 3pm. At 5pm, meanwhile, Liscannor will aim to retain their Intermediate Shield against the same opponents Éire Óg.
On Sunday, Junior A champions Clarecastle face the tricky task of taking on Kerry champions Firies in the Munster Junior Club Quarter-Final in Farranfore at 1pm.