ALL SET TO GO

Kilkerrin-Clonberne captain Louise Ward relishing another final

KILKERRIN-CLONBERNE captain Louise Ward is relishing another All-Ireland final appearance on Saturday and isn’t taking anything for granted ahead of their clash with Ballymacarbry, writes Eanna O'Reilly.

The inter-county star deeply appreciates being captain and is hugely motivated to climb the steps of the Hogan Stand, just as she did 12 months ago.

‘‘Last year I really felt like all my dreams had come true,’’ she said. ‘‘It’s definitely a moment that you’re never going to forget: “I was lucky enough to be given the captain’s role again this year, but any of the girls in the squad could easily be in the role. They’re all leaders and it’s obviously a huge group effort. Look, it’s something really special [being captain] and to get to climb the steps again would just be amazing.’’

With anticipation building in the community ahead of another trip to Croke Park, the Kilkerrin-Clonberne star is enjoying the buzz within the club and happy that her team is giving something back to the volunteers and supporters.

‘‘Its great to see the excitement here, especially seeing the young kids coming down supporting us and being part of our success. We know that it takes a huge effort from the whole community to get us to where we are. Theres so much work going on in the club all the time and we feel we’re doing all those people justice by doing well on the pitch.’’

The Kilkerrin-Clonberne ladies have brought an unprecedented degree of success to the club at county, provincial and national level in recent years…

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