Issue link: http://digitaleditions.uberflip.com/i/1411448
www.ladiesgaelic.ie | AUTUMN 2021 | 39 Verdict BIG MATCH BIG MATCH VERDICT: NIAMH McCARTHY (LIMERICK) ON THE TG4 JUNIOR FINAL Q: Niamh, thanks for chatting to us. You tuned in to watch the 2021 TG4 All-Ireland Junior Final between Antrim and Wicklow. What were your thoughts on the game? A : I really just thought 'wow'. Wicklow brought their A game to Croke Park. I thought they produced a phenomenal performance against a good Antrim side. It was clear to me that Wicklow really did hurt after last year's Final loss and you could see the experience of the squad on the pitch, which really stood to them. I think Antrim may have got caught up in the occasion, unfortunately, and probably lack the experience of playing in Croker. Q: Having played against Wicklow at the semi-final stage, did you think they would finish the job, or did you feel that Antrim could win it? A : To be honest, Antrim gave us a really tough game a few weeks back, too. I really did expect a much closer game but the Wicklow girls drove it on from the start. Q: Where did you think the Final was won and lost? A : I think Wicklow, from the get go, just put the pressure on Antrim. In the first quarter of the game, Antrim couldn't win a kick-out and that set the tone for the entire match. Q: Who were the stand-out performers on the day? A : I would have to pick out the Wicklow full-forward line, Clodagh Fox, Meadhbh Deeney and Marie Kealy – they are so dangerous. Clodagh, of course, collected her player of the match award and it was very much deserved. That inside line kept Antrim's hands full! A particular shout -out to the captain, Sarah Jane Winders, and the girls in the half- back line, Alanna Conroy and Lorna Fusciardi – they were the backbone of so many attacks and fair play to them. I do have to mention Gráinne McLaughlin for Antrim, she worked her socks off all day long and picked up an impressive personal tally. Q: Having lost out in the semi-final, what was it like sitting back and watching the Final without the direct involvement? A : Obviously we were disappointed to not make the Final this year but I have reflected on the year and I've accepted the fact that we did not cross the line – we simply didn't perform to what we could have. Take our last ten minutes against Derry, that was us. So, watching the game from the sideline was actually enjoyable. I just hope we're back on the Croke Park pitch next year! Q: How do you reflect back on Limerick's 2021 season, and how confident are you that the team can regroup ahead of the 2022 campaign? A : I've reflected on it myself, as I have mentioned, but as a group, we do need to sit down and set our own standards for the 2022 season. Clockwise From Top Left: 1 Niamh McCarhy, Limerick. 2 Wicklow players run out. 3 Catherine Dempsey, Wicklow in action against Áine Tubridy, Antrim. 4 Clodagh Fox, Wicklow. 5 Wicklow supporters celebrate a score. 6 Wicklow captain Sarah Jane Winders lifts the West County Hotel Cup