Irish Daily Star - Inside Sport
KENNEDY IS A TIPP TOP STAR
It HAS been a hectic 2023 thus far for Anna Rose Kennedy, but with things moving at a nice pace on and off the field, the tipperary footballer is more than happy for it to be that way.
In addition to starting five of the Premier County’s six games to date in Division 2 of the Lidl National League, the industrious Kennedy captained DCU Dóchas Éireann to a Yoplait O’Connor Cup title a fortnight ago.
A student teacher in the Dublin-based third level institution, Kennedy is on a placement at Ardgillan Community College in Balbriggan.
Studying the subjects of PE and biology, she is hoping to move into a full-time position when she graduates from DCU later on this year.
“I have probably never been as busy in the last four years as I am right now! Between the League and the O’Connor Cup taking place at the same time, it was quite challenging on the body and the mind, to be juggling between the two teams and all the training that was involved with that,” Kennedy explains.
Impact
“Obviously then on placement as well, it takes a lot of free time from your hands, which obviously has an impact then on your recovery and your nutrition. Overall, I seem to be managing it quite well. It’s going well.”
As if that wasn’t enough, Kennedy was also in Croke Park on tuesday to help launch the LGFA’s ‘take A Second’ campaign — an initiative aimed at encouraging and celebrating a culture of positivity and mutual respect among all members of the Association.
“It’s really important to raise awareness around this topic. Especially as players ourselves on the field, that sometimes things mightn’t be going your way or you might disagree with certain decisions, but it’s really important just to step back,” Kennedy said of the campaign.
Great
“take a breath and a second just to think about how you’re going to react. What you might or mightn’t say, or do. I think it’s a great campaign and it was great to be in Croke Park for the launch of it.”
While she has played camogie with Galbally in Limerick, it is with Aherlow in the Premier County that Kennedy has always played her club football.
“thanks to my Dad and the likes of Seamie and Johnny Morrissey, who started us off Under-10, 12, 14 up in Aherlow. Myself, my sister and my brother have always been very close.
“We always used to play outside the back in all our spare time when we were younger. My Mum and Dad are very supportive of us all, which has been really nice. they don’t ever miss a game.”
With three points separating them from third-place Laois, tipperary just need to avoid defeat against pace-setters Armagh at Fethard town Park tomorrow (throw-in 1pm) to be guaranteed a spot in next month’s Lidl NFL Division 2 final.
the Orchard are already assured of a place in that showpiece, which means their Munster counterparts will be looking to set up a quick reunion on their home patch this weekend. Kennedy and tipperary are aiming for a promotion to go alongside their tG4 All-Ireland Senior Championship status.
“It’s great to get a few competitive games in for the League that will prepare us nicely for the Senior championship, but obviously the aim is to be up in Division 1 again.”