Guckian Shines in Return as Leitrim Dominate Kilkenny

Leitrim’s captain made her first start of the season for the Green and Gold in their dominant victory over Kilkenny in Kiltubrid on Sunday.

Last year’s National Intermediate Player of the Year made an impressive return, scoring six points in the first half while delivering a masterclass in long-range shooting.

“It’s great to get a fresh run-out, to start a game, and just to be back in with the team—it’s great,” said Guckian after the match.

The new St. Mary’s player, who made her county debut in 2009, has been sidelined with a persistent calf injury since the start of the year but is eager to regain full fitness over the next few games.

“Fitness isn’t quite where I’d like it to be, but look, it’s all about game practice, and we’ll eventually get back there and build it up,” she said.

The stalwart admitted it was tough watching her team from the sidelines at the start of the league, though she has been very impressed with how the squad is shaping up this season.

“It’s great to see the fresh talent and competition for places,” she said. “You’re always going to have a couple of players in and out all the time, so there’s been a bit of a changeover from last year panel-wise. But as I said, the talent in this group is unbelievable, and there’s a lot of youth coming through, which is brilliant for the county.”

Guckian is happy to be back in training and pushing on in what she describes as a team with a “family unit” atmosphere.

Leitrim secured a commanding 35-point win over Kilkenny this weekend, but next week’s clash away to Antrim will be a much tougher test for this young Leitrim side, she says.

“Antrim next week—that’s going to be a very tough challenge. Antrim were relegated from Division Three last year, and we know from playing them last year that they are a brilliant team, so it’s going to be a tough challenge.”

Still, Guckian believes the team is well-prepared and that Leitrim is improving and building momentum with every game.

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