LIMERICK will be captained in Sunday’s historic All-Ireland Ladies Junior Football Final against Down by Róisín Ambrose.
And, without question the Old Mill star is relishing the opportunity.
“It’s an absolute huge honour and I’m so grateful to be in the position to lead out the team. But in truth, we are more than just a team; we’re a family in that we see so much of each other, and a close-knit family at that.”
Ambrose, along with Amy Ryan, Cathy Mee, and Kate Heelan, is chasing a second All-Ireland medal, having also been part of the 2018 triumphant side.
She admits Limerick face a difficult challenge ahead against Down this Sunday.
“Down are huge favourites,” she insisted. “They were only relegated back to Junior last season and will be aiming for a quick return. Still, if we back and believe in ourselves, as we are all well able to play, I feel there will be no stopping us.”
With both counties already qualified, Down beat Limerick in a Group fixture at Newcastle West.
“Down were better than us that day, but we had a lot of errors too, but they won’t happen again. I’m confident that that result will be turned around on Sunday.”
Support for the team has been huge in the build-up to the weekend, with several hundred in attendance at a weekend meet-and-greet with the players at Rathkeale’s Mick Neville Park.
“It proved to a fabulous event,” commented Limerick PRO Linda Harnett Youta.
“Those there, especially the children, brought an air of excitement and the players said it too afterwards that it was a great start for the lead-up to the All-Ireland Final.”
This Thursday, a large turnout is anticipated for a fund-raising breakfast at Fitzgerald’s Woodlands House Hotel in Adare. Guest speakers include local hurling heroes Declan Hannon and Aaron Gillane, along with Mayo legend Cora Staunton and international rugby star Eimear Considine.
