Lurgan girls show their support

The Orchard county will play a very strong Waterford side in the Intermediate final which will be sandwiched between the Junior and Senior deciders as part of an exciting treble bill.

The backbone of the Armagh side is provided by the Clann Éireann club which has six representatives. The Clanns swept all before them last season at club level so it is no surprise to see such big numbers from the Lake Street club consistently wearing the county colours.

Lurgan club St. Peter’s, however, will be keeping a close eye on one of their players, namely Ciara Lennon who is one of the Ulster side’s new rising stars. Ciara was a member of the Armagh minor side which won the All Ireland title back in 2010 and quite a number of her club mates will be making the trip to headquarters to support one of their own.

This week, in the build up to the big game, the ‘Mail’ spoke to five members of the St. Peter’s ladies team who all said they were proud of Ciara’s achievements with Armagh. All the girls will be travelling to Croke Park on Sunday to cheer on their county.

Lauren Magee age 16: “I play for St Peters u16 team and also the senior team. On Sunday I am going to Croke Park to watch Ciara Lennon play with the Armagh Senior Ladies in the All-Ireland final. I am very lucky to have played alongside Ciara during the senior season this year. She is a fantastic player and it is a great feeling to play on the same team as her. Ciara is very dedicated to the game and always gives 100% to both her club and county teams. Ciara has done us all proud with her achievements so far and is someone who we all look up to. I wish Ciara, Aidey and all of the Armagh Ladies the best of luck and I am looking forward to a great match at Croke Park.

Aine Moore age 16: “Ciara has coached me this year and I have also the pleasure of playing senior football with her at St. Peter’s. Ciara is a fantastic player and friend who puts so much of herself into training and playing football. Whether it is for our club or the county, I am so happy that now hopefully she will receive the ultimate prize of an All Ireland medal. Good luck to Ciara and all the Armagh team.

Caitlin McQuade age 14: “On Sunday we’re going down to Croke Park to support Ciara and Aidy Lennon in their All Ireland final for Armagh. I’ve played with Ciara at senior level and she is the type of player that we all hope to be as good as. We’re all looking forward to seeing her play on Sunday, so good luck to Armagh and hopefully they can bring the cup home.

Jamie-lee Lavery Age 17: “I’ve been playing with St. Peters since the age of 5 and I absolutely love Gaelic football. Throughout the years, I’ve come across some brilliant players but the one player that has stood out for me is Ciara Lennon. She plays centre-full forward for St. Peter’s and she is an inspiration to myself and the team. I reckon they will beat Waterford. It is a great achievement for a young player to play in Croke Park and we wish Ciara, Niamh Henderson, Shauna O’Hagan and the rest of the Clan Éireann girls and Armagh squad luck for Sunday’s game.

Chloe Lavery age 15: “I have been playing Gaelic for St. Peter’s since I was 4 and I love playing for the club. I play under-16 and senior. I play right half forward and Ciara Lennon plays centre-full. I like playing near Ciara, she is a very intelligent player and knows what moves to make. Ciara is one of the best players I’ve seen play gaelic football. All the St. Peter’s girls are getting a bus down to Croke Park to support Ciara and the rest of the Armagh squad. It is an honour for Ciara to represent our club on the Armagh team. I hope Armagh beat Waterford and I think they have a good chance. I want to wish the best of luck to Ciara and also the rest of Clann Éireann girls like Shaunna O’Hagan and Niamh Henderson and the rest.