OWENS GOAL IS A LITTLE REVENGE

DUBLIN forward Nicole Owens is determined to claim a second All-ireland senior title and put three Croke Park defeats to Cork behind her once and for all.

Owens has been a star performer for Dublin all season as they worked their way through the Leinster and All-ireland championships unbeaten.

Dublin lost to Galway in the League, but Mick Bohan’s side still picked up their first Division 1 title against Mayo, in what was a repeat of last year’s All-ireland final.

But the chance to take on Cork in the decider next Sunday, after losing in the 2014, 2015 and 2016 finals is a mouthwatering challenge for Owens.

“There’s a factor in that, that we’ve lost three to them where you want to come away with the win but it’s the best two teams who make the final and we strongly believe that if we play to the best of our abilities and follow our game plan that we are the best team in the country,” said Owens.

“Definitely we’re a happy camp but we also have some things to improve on.

“Last year we won and we consider ourselves the top team in the country and we are determined to defend last year.”

St Sylvester’s clubwoman Owens bagged 1-1 in

Dublin’s impressive semifinal win against Galway and has scored in each of Dublin’s five championship games to date, which shows she could well add to the first All-star she picked up last season.

“This year we’re focusing on different things and we’re trying to lift and positively push our performance up and up and up. Hopefully the final will be the culmination of everything so far this year,” she said.