Success breeding success in Moneyglass

By Shaun Casey

SUCCESS breeds success and there may not be another club throughout the land that has gathered as much silverware as Moneyglass Ladies have lately..

From u-14 right up to senior level, the club have captured championship crowns at all grades and this weekend, they are just 60 minutes away from reaching the Ulster final, with Clann Éireann standing in their way (Sunday, 2pm).

Charlie O’Kane’s side reached that stage of the competition last season, but were overpowered by Ulster kingpins Donaghmoyne, who collected their fourth Ulster title in a row and 13th in 18 years.

Even in the years that they didn’t claim the throne, Donaghmoyne still reached the final, but Moneyglass ended their unbelievable run two weeks ago when they avenged last year’s final defeat.

Antrim sharpshooter Órlaith Prenter, one of the best players in the country at present, nailed a personal haul of 1-6 as her side downed Donaghmoyne with four points to spare, 2-8 to 1-7.

Prenter isn’t the only Saffron star back boning the Moneyglass challenge as the likes of club and county captain Cathy Carey, her midfield partner Sarah O’Neill, goalkeeper Anna McCann along with Niamh McIntosh were all named on the National League Team of the Year for their performances in helping Antrim lift the Division Four title.

Bronagh Devlin and Maria O’Neill are also on the Antrim team while Moneyglass have a few other players with notable experience at the highest level.

They’re facing a Clann Éireann side, led by new Armagh manager Greg McGonigle, that have just achieved back-to-back county titles in the Orchard County and can call on the likes of Clodagh McCambridge, Cait Towe and Niamh Coleman.

The Lurgan ladies will also have home advantage, but that won’t dent Moneyglass’ determination and they certainly carry the favourites tag into Sunday’s main event.

SHOOTING STAR…Órlaith Prenter hit 1-6 as her side overturned Donaghmoyne in the quarter-final