Inside Track with John McIntyre

WITHIN less than 24 hours of each other, the ladies’ footballers of Kilkerrin-Clonberne and the camogie players of Sarsfields confirmed their status as two of the greatest GAA teams ever to hail from Galway. And it was fitting that their legendary status was confirmed at Croke Park.

Both teams headed to GAA headquarters on similar missions but with different motivations. Kilkerrin-Clonberne stood on the brink of achieving what no Galway team in any GAA code had done before, while Sarsfields were desperate to reclaim the All-Ireland title after last year’s final loss to Dicksboro.

Kilkerrin-Clonberne were first under the spotlight on Saturday evening in striving to again defy their small-parish North Galway status by claiming the All-Ireland senior title for the fourth time on the trot. And they did it comfortably enough, overcoming a fancied Kilmacud Crokes outfit on a 0-13 to 0-9 scoreline.

Considering all that they have won and their dominance of ladies’ football, it was an insult to Willie Ward’s charges that they were outsiders for the final. Sure, Kilmacud Crokes had forced the champions to extra-time last year and had cut a dash in reaching the decider, but Kilkerrin-Clonberne were ready for them.

Stretching their unbeaten championship run to a remarkable 44 matches, Kilkerrin-Clonberne overcame a difficult opening – the title holders had to be grateful to the alertness of goalkeeper Lisa Murphy on more than one occasion – to stamp their authority on the exchanges. Again, their athleticism, skill and sheer hunger was on display.

Kilmacud Crokes are supposed to be the coming force in ladies’ football, and they certainly tested the champions at times on Saturday, but the women in red jerseys are just different gravy at present. Kilkerrin-Clonberne have it every way and only for Ailish Morrissey being denied from a penalty by Galway goalkeeper Dearbhla Gower and, subsequently, the crossbar, the match could have been over by half-time.

It meant Kilkerrin-Clonbene couldn’t afford to take their feet off the pedal but every time the Dublin outfit threatened to reel them in, the champions found a response. They had heroes all over the field with the work ethic of joint captain Lisa Ward simply astounding. Murphy set the tone for their performance, with the in-form Divilly sisters, Niamh, Olivia and Siobhán, having the distinction of all scoring in the final.

Pictured: Kilkerrin-Clonberne sisters, from left, Niamh, Siobhán and Olivia Divilly celebrate with their father Michael after Saturday’s victory over Kilmacud Crokes in the LGFA All-Ireland Senior Club Championship Final at Croke Park. Photo: Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile.