Hehir Looking Forward To Another Shot At McMahon Cup Glory

Inagh-Kilnamona captain Clare Hehir gave an impressive display for her club en route to booking a final spot in a titanic extra-time battle against Kilmaley on Saturday evening.

Hehir was elated after the victory and admitted the Kilmaley goals really rocked them to their core.

“We are absolutely delighted. We knew it was going to be really tough. Obviously, them being our neighbours, there is that great rivalry there, but they also came through their group very well. We knew it wasn’t going to be easy and the result showed that. They shocked us in the first few minutes with the goal and we were kind of clinging on for most of the game, trying to launch a comeback. It took us 60 minutes just to draw level and 20 more to pull ahead,” Hehir said.

While their backs were against wall as they trailed by five points with roughly 20 minutes to go, Hehir said the Combo never panicked.

“It was about trusting the team around us that we will keep going. Panic never helps anyone so; it was about keeping that composure. It wasn’t a high scoring game so every time we scored a point it did give us a massive boost.

“They really worked the quick ball into the forwards and made it work. That’s something that Newmarket, if they were watching, will have noticed. So, we will take our two weeks to fine tune everything and see how we get on.”

A huge turning point in the game was the introduction of Aoibhín Ryan for Inagh-Kilnamona and Hehir was keen to sing her praises. She also pointed out there was plenty to do before the final in just over a week’s time.

“Aoibhin is an excellent player so to see her come off the bench and get the scores when we really needed them was brilliant. I think everyone that came off the bench played really well, our whole panel work so hard and came together. That’s how we got the win in the end.

“Our bodies are sore. It was a hectic game and 80 minutes of it. We will regather over the next few days and get focussed again. It’ll be about building up to two weeks’ time. Every county final we’ve been in, it has been against Newmarket. They’ve beaten us and we’ve breaten them. We know each other so well. Probably too well if anything,” Hehir said.