History was made by the Carlow senior ladies footballers at the weekend as they booked their place in Croke Park for the first time with a superb 4-7 to 1-7 victory over Derry in the All-Ireland semi-final.
Ed Burke’s side will now face Antrim in the All-Ireland final on Saturday, August 2nd, capping off what has already been a remarkable season.
Carlow found themselves trailing as half-time approached, but three quick-fire goals completely transformed the contest, swinging the momentum firmly in their favour and laying the foundation for a famous victory.
Speaking to KCLR Sport, captain Roisin Bailey said the opening goal gave the entire team belief.
“When that first goal went in, you could feel the lift in the team. Then two more followed shortly after. Going in at half-time with those three goals gave us a really good base to build upon. Just so happy they went in.”
The win also extended Carlow’s extraordinary unbeaten run this season to 17 victories from 17 matches, a statistic Bailey says is a testament to the bond within the squad.
“Seventeen from seventeen now. That group of girls, I can’t speak enough of them, they are absolutely incredible. They’re my best friends.”
