Captain Grainne Prior wants Ballinamore to take their chance

Fair to say that excitement levels are high around Ballinamore right now as Sean O’Heslins Ladies contemplate their appearance in Saturday’s CurrentAccount.ie All-Ireland Intermediate Final. But for captain Grainne Prior, the focus now is on winning in Croke Park next Saturday!

Asked about the atmosphere around the town, Grainne admitted that the buzz around Ballinamore has been something special but the players have got to insulate themselves against the hype and excitement! “Ballinamore is buzzing, absolutely, and it is not that easy to not get caught up in it all. But I think it is important to find the balance between enjoying it and relishing those moments and getting back training and getting focused for the next day. Barney was dead right to keep us in check on the Sunday!”

Manager Brian Breen had the squad back training on the Sunday after their dramatic semi-final win over Derry’s Steelstown Brian Ogs before heading to Mallow to watch opponents Glanmire in their semi final victory over Na Fianna of Meath and Grainne agrees that the Cork women will pose serious opposition next Saturday.

LGFA release ticketing information for Ballinamore Sean O'Heslins All-Ireland Final

“We saw Glanmire in their game on the Sunday after our game and they had a good win. It will definitely be another tough battle but we’re hoping that the few games that we’ve played, games that have been so tough and that have gone down to the wire, will stand to us next Saturday.”

Getting the feet back on the ground after the drama of that win over Steelstown wasn’t easy but Ballinamore are in big match mode right now: “There was great excitement and the nature of the way we won added to the excitement so we enjoyed that for a few days and now, I suppose we have our feet back on the ground and looking forward to Saturday.”

The resilience and never say die spirit has been hard earned with the close bond between the players contributing to Ballinamore’s success according to their captain: “We are a tight knit group and that makes a difference. We’re not a team of individuals and over the last few years, we’ve been there or thereabouts in the Leitrim championship but we haven’t got across the line. So I think that when we got the chance to go out in Connacht this year, we said we’d take that opportunity with both hands, we’ve been really determined to show what we’re capable of.”

Ballinamore’s captain has belied her youth, both in her performances on the field and dealing with the media even if the 21 year old  admits that chatting to the media takes some getting used to! “It is definitely not something you think of early on in the year when you take on the captain's role. Then when you start winning games and people want to talk to you, it can be a bit of a shock to the system but I suppose I’ve got a bit of practice at it now over the last few weeks.”

Grainne also points out that she relies on her teammates, such as Laura O'Dowd, Roisin McHugh and former All Star Sarah McLoughlin, for leadership in a team where everybody pulls together: “We have so many leaders on our team, you could pick a captain from any of them. It is an honour to be captain of such a great group. It is not a difficult job for me when I have so many great leaders beside me.”

Playing in Croke Park just over a week before Christmas is not something you plan for at the start of the year but Grainne and her teammates are determined  to both enjoy the experience and make the most of the opportunity at the same time! “It is so exciting, it is a great opportunity - it is the top stage you can play on in Ladies and men’s football and we’re all really looking forward to it. 

Fortune favours the brave

THE LAST POINT

“It is an achievement in itself to be where we are and we recognise that and are delighted with our journey so far. But when it comes to it on the day next Saturday, you’re definitely there to win. We’ve been playing with these girls all our lives so when you’re winning with your friends, it means so much more.

“I suppose we feel that we haven't won as much as I think we’re capable of winning the last few years so now that we’re there, we’re really enjoying it. I think we’re looking forward to it and we definitely recognise that it is not going to be an easy game and it is going to take another 100% performance from us but all you have to do is hope that we can do that and if we do that, we can definitely get across the line.”