Tullamore face Naomh Ciarán in LGFA final

By Kevin Egan

Edenderry were a much-improved side in 2022 and St Rynagh’s are always capable of an upset, but it was no surprise to see Tullamore and Naomh Ciarán confirm their places in the county final at Bretland Park in Clara tomorrow (Saturday) at 4.15pm.

It was a huge surprise when Tullamore upset the odds in last year’s decider, and with a young panel at their disposal and a few players back from injury, they were always likely to be hugely competitive.

Naomh Ciarán, for their part, remain heavily laden with talent, but the question surrounding the west Offaly club was how would they respond to that defeat. Sometimes the end of an era can happen very suddenly, and sometimes it’s a case of a defeat being exactly what a club needs to focus their minds.

Saturday’s contest will reveal all on that front, as the group game between the two clubs, which Naomh Ciarán won by seven points, lacked the real competitive edge that should be there in the final.

It’s been a very successful autumn for Offaly LGFA so far, in no small part due to their €80,000 fundraising walk from Croke Park to Bretland Park, and a healthy attendance in Clara tomorrow for what should be a fascinating decider will only add to that.