Sports Review of 2022 - Michelle Guckian (Ladies Football)

Highlight of the Year
Winning back-to-back Connacht Intermediate Championship with Leitrim Ladies in the space of six months. There were a lot of mixed reviews on playing a Connacht final days before Christmas, but for me personally, it was a great way to end 2021. Then to come back six months later and win it again, showing that it was not a fluke, and we are more than capable of performing at this level, against a Division 2 team.
Also winning the Senior B championship with Kiltubrid. Although we would have loved nothing more than to be competing in the Senior A final, it was nice to have some silverware after having some unfortunate one-point defeats.

Michelle Guckian pictured with Clare Owens after the Connacht IFC Final last May.

Lowlight of the Year
My biggest disappointment of 2022 would be losing the Connacht Intermediate Club final by a point against Charlestown. It was a tough game that could have gone either way. Then seeing Charlestown narrowly beaten by Longford Slashers who went on to play in Croke Park and win an All-Ireland was a tough pill to swallow. Unfortunately, that is sport, and we must learn from it and move on.
From a Leitrim Ladies perspective, our poor championship performance after winning the Connacht Final and also losing out in the National league semi final after extra time.

With the controversy over the staging of the World Cup in Qatar, what’s your view on the role of sport and politics/ social issues - should they mix? Should they be kept separate?
The hosting by Qatar of the world cup created huge discussions over the past few months. In my opinion it should not have been held in Qatar and the only reason it was held there was because of money. Sport and politics should never mix but unfortunately that is not the case. I did feel bad for the players as they were placed in a very awkward position.

Personality of the Year
Áine Tighe - she had a brilliant year for Fremantle Dockers. Having played with her on the pitch, I know how much of a hardworking person she is. She showed great resilience to come back from two serious injuries to perform at the top level in a different professional sport. She was ranked as one of the top Irish athletes in Australia this year and I’m looking forward to seeing her progress even more in 2023.

Team of the Year
There are so many to choose from here. Kerry won the National League and All Ireland Championship, Meath LGFA winning back-to-back Senior All Ireland and St Mary's winning nearly every competition they entered in 2022.
Overall team of the year I would say is the Republic of Ireland Women’s Soccer team. It was an unbelievable achievement beating Scotland and to qualify for the first time for the World Cup in Australia in 2023. It is a massive achievement and a real boost for sport in the country.

What are the big challenges facing Leitrim sport in 2023?
Facilities – It is very difficult to get floodlit pitches for all the teams that are participating in GAA in the county. All teams are training around the same times of the week to maximise performance and recovery. With adverse weather conditions, it can be difficult to get floodlit pitches for all teams while trying to maintain a good level of playing surfaces. I have to say that Cloone GAA have been extremely good to Leitrim Ladies allowing us the use of their facilities during peak times.

One thing I’d do to make sport better in 2023?
In Ladies Gaelic, as a forward, I would love to see the mark introduced. Having seen it in the GAA, it has made defenders tighter and push up on their players not to give them the opportunity to get a free catch and shot on goal. It has also made movement in the forward line better, forwards looking to get onto the ball quicker.
It has made teams more prone to kick the ball and speed up the game rather than carrying it slowing it down. Overall, it has improved the standard of football from both a defending and attacking perspective.
As for Men’s GAA, I would look for an alternative solution if the result has to be determined on the day. Penalties is an exciting finish but it’s a harsh way to get knocked out of a GAA competition. I'd prefer the LGFA alternative of 30 metre free kicks.

Michelle celebrating with team mates after the Connacht IFC Final last May.

Person that made me go wow in 2022
Clare Owens - Clare is just a phenomenal sportsperson. There is no problem big or small for Clare. She has dedicated years to Leitrim LGFA and makes every outing with her as enjoyable as possible. She has a bubbly personality that would put everyone in great humour. She took part in Warriors for Humanity Plant the Planet games in Kenya last November. She is a true leader on and off the pitch.

One to watch in 2023
Lisa O'Rourke - the Roscommon player had a great year on the Gaelic Pitch and in the Boxing Ring. She is only 20 years of age and has achieved so much so far. She is a very talented sportsperson. I’m looking forward to seeing what she can achieve in 2023.