‘I don’t think I’ve ever been as nervous in my life’

Having received the trophy just minutes previously, Moate CS joint captains Áine Bracken and Erin Ó Faoláin were still on a high as they celebrated their All-Ireland Junior 'A' success with colleagues on the pitch afterwards.

“This is actually one of the best days of our lives. Those last few minutes, I don’t think I’ve ever been as nervous in my life. I gave away a free near the end and I felt my heart was nearly on the floor,” said Caulry's Erin with a smile.

Áine, who plays her club football with Moate, felt the team “panicked a bit” and went defensive when their opponents from Ursuline SS, Thurles began to eat into their lead, and she was glad that they were able to steady the ship.

“The wind was very strong. It was such a big difference even running against it in the second half, trying to get forward,” remarked Erin.

“Our forwards were just super the whole match, all of them. Anna (Ryan) is just class at scoring goals - you can always count on Anna for getting a goal,” she continued, referring to three-goal hero Anna Ryan.

Both players were delighted with the level of support the team had in last week’s final, with Áine pointing out that over 500 students were cheering the team on.

“There was such great support from our whole school,” said Erin, and they both highlighted the support of their families and clubmates.