Martin glad to be back in the big leagues

By Niall Gartland

LONG-STANDING Donaghmoyne goalkeeper Linda Martin says that the team has been revitalised by the influx of younger talent coming through the ranks.

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s Ulster Senior Championship semi-final against Cavan side Knockbride, Martin highlights the addition of youngsters who are already making their mark on the field of play.

Their performances have been fantastic in recent weeks and months, and they look like a team on a mission.

Martin said: “Training has been fantastic. We have the minors in with us, and I think this year is different because every girl is pushing for a place. We’ve young girls starting and coming on. A good few girls are stepping up to the senior ranks, which is great. You need that coming through every year.”

Having missed out on the Monaghan Senior Championship title for the last two years (which bucked the trend of the previous two decades), Donaghmoyne seem to be back to their very best.

They blazing a trail through the newly introduced provincial group stages with comprehensive victories over Bredagh and last year’s beaten Ulster finalists Errigal Ciaran. Linda admits that the manner of that win over Tyrone champions Errigal did come as something of a surprise.

“Well, do you know, going to Errigal Ciaran, we expected it to be far from what we came away with. They were in the Ulster final last year, and Ulster finals at senior level are definitely not easy to get to.”

“We really didn’t expect that scoreline. Now we’re looking ahead to Knockbride, another young, fit, up-and-coming team. They won the All-Ireland Intermediate last year. We’re going to their home ground as well, so it won’t be easy. It’s just another step, and we’ll see how we get on.”

Incredible

Donaghmoyne won an incredible 21 Monaghan Senior Championship titles in-a-row before they were finally beaten in a semi-final clash against Magheracloone in 2024. That was an off-day according to Martin, but for all their best efforts, they failed to regain their title in 2025. Now though, it seems that they are really and truly back, and it means as much as every to players like Martin who have medals galore at both county and provincial level.

“As great as it is when you’re winning, the days aren’t too nice when you’re getting beaten.”

“But I suppose two years ago, I’m not sure what you’d put it down to – a bit of an off day. Last year, ach, it was tough to take because we put in a big effort to get back. Emmet Óg, fair dues, had been there two or three times.”

“Years ago, people were like, ‘Do you never get sick of winning?’ But you don’t get sick of it. I don’t think anyone standing on a football field ever will.”

“The miles are on the clock at this stage for a player like myself. We’ve a lot of football under our belts. It does get sweeter as you get a bit older.”