Heartbreak for kilkerrinclonberne

There was once again no shortage of character, effort and never-say-die spirit from Kilkerrin-Clonberne ladies but it wasn’t enough as their remarkable season finally came to an end after a slicker and more seasoned Termon from Donegal prevailed in last Sunday’s All-Ireland Senior Club semi-Final in Clonberne.
When the disappointment eventually subsides, Michael Divilly’s charges can reflect with immense pride on what they achieved in another groundbreaking year. They retained their County title, won the All-Ireland Sevens and scaled new heights by breaking the stranglehold in Connacht of Carnacon, one of the all-time great club teams.
Sometimes in sport, you have to hold your hands up and accept you were beaten by the better team and despite a two-point defeat, Sunday was certainly one of those days for Kilkerrin-Clonberne.
Termon have won four Donegal and two Ulster titles over the past five years and perhaps that greater experience gave them an edge over a more youthful Kilkerrin-Clonberne team that undoubtedly has the potential to come again and contend seriously in this kind of company.
What ultimately proved the difference for Termon was that they had the game’s standout player. With 3-10 in their county final win over Glenfin and a further scoring spree of 4-4 against Donaghmoyne of Monaghan last time out, Geraldine McLaughlin’s ability was well flagged coming into the match and the winners’ full-forward showed just why she is regarded by her manager Francie Friel as the best ladies footballer in the country.