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L aurie Ryan was a member of the Clare team that lost out in a classic TG4 All-Ireland Intermediate semi-final last Sunday, as Laois ran out winners after extra-time. In this Q and A, Laurie runs the rule over Finalists Laois and Wexford, who will battle it out at Croke Park on Sunday July 31. Q: Hi, Laurie, and thanks for chatting to us. How have you been since last Sunday's game? A: It's been tough to get over the loss – but I have to say it was a great game of football, they are the days you play for. Everyone gave it everything and we were just short in the end, which is always tough. Q: Looking ahead to the Final, how do you rate the chances of Laois? A: Laois are an excellent team, and I think they will be favourites for the All-Ireland this year. I think the experience of Division 2, along with their championship form this year will stand to them, and could be the learning curve they needed to win out the Intermediate Championship. Q: Wexford competed in last year's Final and look like a team on a real mission. How do you assess their chances? A: Wexford have come into the championship after some excellent performances. They will be hurting after last year's Final, but they have showed heart in a lot of their games this year to come back and get wins when things might not have been going well. They have had two excellent performances, which will give them massive confidence heading in to the final. Q: Where do you see the Final being won and lost? A: I think it will be whichever defence gets the match-ups correct. When you are looking at both teams, the forwards are on fire and how they both match up could be the difference. I also think kickouts will have a big bearing on the game – can Wexford get out past the high press Laois set, and will Wexford stop Laois gaining primary possession and starting their attacks deep? Q: Who are the key players that we should be looking out for on both sides? A: For Laois – you have to talk about Mo Nerney and Erone Fitzpatrick, they are the two in-form players of the championship. For Wexford – Aisling Murphy has been excellent so far this year, another player who I think will play a key role is Sarah Harding Kenny. Q: Will you watch the Final or would you find it too difficult? A: I definitely hope to attend Croke Park, it is always a great day for football and something I try attend every year. Hopefully next year we will be there! Q: Finally, sum up how you see the game going, and predict a winner? A: I think it will be a close, high-scoring encounter. I think Laois will win on the day. TG4 ALL- IRELAND INTERMEDIATE FINAL PREVIEW Laurie Ryan, Clare Sarah Harding Kenny, Wexford in action against Niamh Feeney, Roscommon during the TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Football Intermediate Championship Semi-Final Aimee Kelly of Laois in action against Gráinne Nolan of Clare during the TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Football Intermediate Championship Semi-Final L AURIE RYAN Q&A www.ladiesgaelic.ie | SUMMER 2022 | 31