Shaw: “Thermals are needed all year round”

DERRY All-Ireland winner Aoife Shaw takes a look at some of her opponents.

Name: Aoife Shaw.

Age: 26.

Teams played for: Lavey, Derry, and previously St Pat’s, Maghera and UUJ.

Who are your main rivals?

The neighbouring parish, Bellaghy.

Which opposition ground do you like playing on and why?

Swatragh main pitch, plenty of space, any forward’s dream.

Which opposition ground do you dislike going to and why?

There’s always a strong mountain breeze in Sleacht Néill, thermals are needed all year round.

What team have you enjoyed the most success against?

We’ve been fairly inconsistent over the past few years, had our fair share of defeats from a lot of teams.

Which team have you experienced the least success against?

Sleacht Néill have given us (and most teams) some serious beatings over the past few years.

Which opposition player have you enjoyed marking?

Ellie McGuckin (Rossa ladies football).

Which opposition player have you disliked marking?

I don’t like marking Aoife Ní Chaiside (Sleacht Néill), can read anyone like a book.

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

Aine McAllister from Ballinascreen, never stops running and gets some unbelievable scores. Would be a great addition.

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

I like to see Glenullin do well, lots of family playing up there!

What’s the most frustrating defeat you have experienced?

All-Ireland semi-final against Cork last year, we threw it away in injury time.

What’s the most satisfying victory you have experienced?

All-Ireland semi-final vs Kilkenny, was getting flashbacks of last year but the whole team stepped up and we got over the line in extra-time down in Thurles.

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

Aoife Minogue’s first point in Croke Park this year was a great one.

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

Bellaghy have a young and upcoming team of great players

Best opponent for post-match hospitality?

Cushendall always have the tea and sandwiches ready after challenge games

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

Dungiven have a decking beer garden with a view of the mountains, it’s hard to argue with that.