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Laois Ladies recorded an incredible Leinster final victory over Wicklow in Netwatch Cullen Park on Sunday July 1.
After the match we spoke to Laois full-forward Ciara Burke, who was pivotal in setting up many of Laois’s scores – and also added two points to the scoreboard herself.
Ciara spoke about Laois ladies being downgraded in the eyes of the public – and why this Leinster final means so much to the squad.
“It’s a long time since Laois have been in this position. People have kind of downgraded ladies football an awful lot, especially the Laois ladies.
“It’s great to have something to show for it because we do train as hard as the lads and we are out three nights a week so it’s nice to have something to show for it now,” said Ciara.
High expectations
Ciara spoke about the nerves in the squad before the match.
“Ah yeah, there was a lot of nerves. You could see it in the girls in the dressing room, there was a few shakey legs but that’s only natural.
It’s a big day and there’s a lot of expectations on us and we knew there would be a good few people coming to support us, which is great but it does add to the nerves,” she said.
Ciara also praised the work of her fellow teammates and preparation done by manager Kevin Doogue.
“We were fairly well-prepared to be honest, Kevin had us well prepped. We knew what we were facing – we had no idea about Wicklow though. It was our first time facing them but we had it in our legs,” she said.
As for the future – Ciara said the squad are taking it one step at a time.
“We’ll celebrate tonight and then we’ll re-group Tuesday and look ahead to the future. Our goal was always to win the Leinster and then go on towards the All-Ireland stages and that’s done now so hopefully we might have another cup on the way,” she finished.
Laois will now play beaten Connacht finalists Sligo and beaten Leinster semi finalists Longford.
Laois’s first group match is on Saturday, July 21, at home to Longford. While their second group game is away to Sligo on Saturday July 28.
SEE ALSO – In Pictures: Glorious day in Carlow as Laois ladies celebrate Leinster football success
