Elation of semi-final victory and promotion parked for now - Garrity

Leitrim will have no problem in refocusing on the task of winning the Lidl LGFA NFL Division 4 title next Sunday in Birr according to manager Jonny Garrity, acknowledging the relief and elation that swept over the Green & Gold after securing the long held aim of promotion to Division 3.

“It definitely was an amazing high and that sense of relief and elation will be something that'll endure, I'm sure, because it's been seven years in the making,” Garrity admitted of the joy of finally achieving promotion before setting sights on beating Carlow next Sunday, “But we have very much parked it at the moment, because we know that there's a trophy up for grabs.

“We're concentrating now on trying to be the best version of ourselves for that game. At the same time, it's fantastic to be coming off the back of such a hard-earned victory and that should let us run into the final in a really good place. That feeling of elation and relief and excitement, that's a good feeling to have. 

“It's not something that we have to completely insulate ourselves from but at the same time, we do need to maximise our focus as well so we'll look to do that.”

However, the emotion of the extra-time victory over Sligo in Elphin’s Orchard Park did bring back plenty of pleasant memories for the Leitrim boss and the wonderful connection with the team’s supporters: “100 per cent the atmosphere and support was incredible and it was reminiscent of 2024, those big championship matches.

GARRITY MAKES ONE CHANGE IN LEITRIM TEAM TO FACE CARLOW IN LIDL LGFA NFL DIVISION 4 FINAL

“We did get a sense of the atmosphere on the sideline and I honestly believe that the players got a real sense of that as well, and it helped drive them on to the victory at the latter stage of that match in particular. I think it helped push on our intensity in the game and getting turnovers and hands to the ball and creating several chances. 

“You think back to the last couple of our scores in normal time and the crowd were instrumental in that, so it was fantastic.”