Hotshot Eimear eager to inspire Erne on to title

EIMEAR Smyth has become accustomed to posting big scores for the Fermanagh ladies’ football team, but the 18-year-old forward will be under rather more pressure to produce the goods on Sunday when she lines out with the Erne outfit against Louth in the All-Ireland Junior Ladies’ Football final at Croke Park.

It’s not often Fermanagh teams at any level find themselves in the frame for honours at Headquarters, but with St Michael’s College, Enniskillen having won the Hogan Cup there earlier this year, the ladies’ side are determined to follow in their footsteps.

Smyth, who has been the essence of consistency, acknowledges that her team face a difficult assignment against a Louth side that have looked impressive.

“They have been most people’s favourites to lift the All-Ireland title, so you could say we are up against it,” said Smyth. “But we have been underdogs in the past and it has not worried us unduly.

“If we get off to a good start and get the backing of our supporters we can come good. It will be far from easy because Louth will have gained in confidence.”

With skipper Joanne Doonan poised to embark on a new career in the Australian Women’s League, her Fermanagh colleagues are anxious to give her what would be a fitting send-off by capturing the All-Ireland trophy.

Manager Johnny Garrity said: “We have watched Louth all along the way and they don’t appear to have put a foot wrong. However, we have belief in our own ability.”