Tough tests will help team, says Hogan

FOR Wicklow Ladies Football team captain Sarah Hogan a couple of hard fought victories in the last week are just what this team needs.

Their last two matches have been won by six and seven points respectively, compared to double digit wins earlier in league against Antrim and Derry.

“It will help us in the long run. We’ve had a few easy game but obviously we need a few tough ones if we want to win the league and they will benefit us in the long run.”

Wicklow were out again in the league four days after beating Carlow on Wednesday evening and while two games in quick succession may have had a small impact on their performance, for Hogan it wasn’t a major issue.

“We were tired but we train Tuesday nights anyway, so it’s better to have a game on a Wednesday night than training on a Tuesday night. We were tired but it didn’t affect us that much I think.”

Earlier in the month manager Mick O’Rourke spoke of the bond between the players on the team. Hogan is very proud to be captain of the team and echoes her manager’s views about the close-knit nature of the group.

“The girls are just like sisters. I suppose half the reason you play football or you play county is because your best friends play county.

“Even during the winter when you’re not playing you miss seeing those girls and it’s easy to come training when you know you’re coming to see your friends. It’s easier to go through the hardship!”

While supporters and those not involved with the team can look forward to a semi-final and let their mind wander towards league success, Hogan can only concentrate on the next match.

“Next week [against Louth] won’t be an easy run in the park. It’s going to be a tough game and we want to win that before we think about the semi-finals. We want to top the group and finish the league unbeaten.”