“I just remember thinking how close we are”

Ciara McAnespie looks back at some of the iconic games she played in and watched,,,

Name: Ciara McClelland (McAnespie)

Teams played for: Emyvale, Monaghan, DCU and St Louis Secondary School

Current involvement: Emyvale ladies senior team

Which club game, that you played in, will you never forget and why?
The Intermediate Club All-Ireland 2008. Winning the club All-Ireland with girls that I grew up playing with from childhood was very special.

Which club game, that you watched, will you never forget and why?
One of Donaghmoyne’s club All-Irelands that they won. We were just narrowly beaten by them in the county final that year and I just remember thinking how close we were.

Which county game, that you played in, will you never forget and why?
The senior All-Ireland final in 2014. We were narrowly beaten by a point against Cork. To be so close but yet so far away was very disappointing.

Which county game, that you watched, will you never forget and why?
Monaghan ladies’ All-Ireland final in 1997 against Waterford. I don’t remember much about the game but I remember the celebrations afterwards and the buzz it gave the people of Monaghan. I just remember thinking I would love to experience this some time.

What was the most memorable performance from a player in a game that you watched?
Jenny Keenan (Greenan) against Tyrone

What did you love about the games you played in?
The enjoyment of wearing my county jersey with pride and making lifelong friendships with the girls.

What did you hate about the games you played in?
The weather.