“Their success over the past 10 years speaks for itself”

Mairead McNicholl looks back at some of her opponents…

Name: Mairead McNicholl.

Age: 28.

Teams played for: Swatragh, Derry, St Patrick’s College, Maghera and Queen’s University, Belfast.

Which opposition ground do you dislike going to and why?

Any of the long bus journeys for county matches aren’t ideal.

What team have you enjoyed the most success against?

Haven’t been lucky enough to win much to have that success, ask me again in a few years.

Which team have you enjoyed least success against?

Sleacht Néill, their success over the past 10 years speaks for itself.

Which opposition player have you enjoyed marking?

Hannah Scott from Kilkenny in the All-Ireland semi-final, such a strong player and I really enjoyed the challenge of marking her.

Which player would you transfer in from a team you have come up against?

Aoife Minogue from Meath, great player and athlete.

Which team, apart from your own, do you like to see do well and why?

Antrim/Down – it’s great to see the Ulster teams competing in the senior division.

What’s the most frustrating defeat you have experienced?

Losing the 2020 Club Championship final in the replay was definitely a tough one to take.

What’s the most satisfying victory you have experienced?

The All-Ireland final after a replay this year. After nearly getting beat in Croke Park with the last-minute free, it was brilliant to get over the line.

What is the best score you’ve seen from an opponent?

Ellen Burke from Meath scored a class point from the left wing in our drawn game in Croke Park.

Which team, apart from your own, do you expect big things of in the coming years?

Bellaghy, they’ve had a lot of underage success in Derry in recent years.

Best opponent for post-match hospitality?

If we’re playing friendlies in Antrim, you’re always very well treated.

Which club, apart from your own, has the most impressive facilities?

Lavey have great outdoor and indoor facilities.