Loreto hail the effort of clubs in All-Ireland success

By Michael McMullan

SINÉAD Lee has hailed the coaching structures across the clubs of Cavan after Loreto’s girls retained their All-Ireland u-16 ‘A’ football title.

It was the school’s third title at this grade with star Katie Fegan hitting 4-6 as they easily accounted for Cork side Midleton last weekend.

“It was a brilliant win and better that you could ever have expected,” Lee said of her side’s win.

Of the panel, 15 players now have back to back All-Ireland medals as the school continued to build on their tradition and success.

“We would have to trial for teams because there is such an interest and a high level of play,” said Lee, a native of Teemore across the border in Fermanagh.

“We have 12 clubs represented on our team.

“The work the clubs are doing and you are not just getting players from one club, a lot of clubs are doing things right.

“There are great structures in the clubs of the county and it makes it easier for us to bring a team together, we just facilitate it,” she modestly added.

Football in the school has been progressing well and some of the current panel were involved in their Ulster u-14 success last season after missing out of two years with the Covid lockdown.

“Maybe they are a bit hungrier after missing out on their younger years in school,” Lee added.

With the inclement weather conditions, their u-16 Ulster final was twice postponed and the All-Ireland semi-final win over St Attracta’s, Tubbercurry was also called off.

It’s been a busy few weeks for the girls, some of whom were involved in the senior squad who bowed out of the All-Ireland series in the semi-final before bouncing back to beat Tubbercurry in the rescheduled junior semi-final.

After hitting eight goals, they bagged another 10 in the final to cement their status as the best team in the land.

“We got great welcome back at the school on Monday and we had great support up at the match,” Lee said of the excitement in the school community.

“The buzz has just been great. They are passionate about their football and are a great group to woke with.”

There will be a chance for more success for Cavan on Saturday when Virginia College made the trip to Abbotstown to take on St Mary’s, Naas in the All-Ireland ‘C’ final.