The hunger was out for it - Bailey

You could have cut the tension on the line with a knife in the final quarter on Sunday.

Tourlestrane were within touching distance of victory but nobody was counting their chickens.

Afterwards the winning manager, David Bailey, agreed it was difficult to watch.

“I can hardly speak. My voice is nearly gone. We worked hard. The team worked hard. It was like coming into the lion’s den down here. The girls fought hard, they dug deep. We used substitutes we haven’t used for a while. We brought in a girl who hasn’t been brought on all year. She bagged a goal in the last minute and now we are in an All-Ireland final,” he said.

The good start was vital for the winners.

“I think we got 1-2 on the board in the first five minutes,” said the winning manager.

“Old Leighlin responded quickly and went in half-time only two points up. The girls dug deep. There were girls who hadn’t performed in the first half and they came out in the second half and did very well.”

Rachel Sawyer has been scoring regularly for the Carlow side all year. She wasn’t given a millimetre on Sunday.

“We did (our homework) but how can you do your homework on Old Leighlin who are an outstanding team. You are not going to have mediocre teams in semi-finals. They are going to be good. They are going to be strong.”

Captain, Shauna Henry, was in dream world. Her face was a picture of animation and happiness as she reflected on where they are going now.

“I cannot believe it. An All-Ireland final is something you dream about. Especially with your club. It is so special. The excitement, the joy is unbelievable here.”

She echoed many of the comments of her manager.

“The goal we got in the first half was probably the winner for us really. Goals win games they say and then Leonie (Gaughan) coming on and scoring at the end killed it off,” she said.

“Old Leighlin are a tough side. We knew that coming down here. The girls fought hard and they really wanted it. I cannot believe we are in an All-Ireland final.

“They had some very tricky forwards. Very quick. We knew we had to keep an eye on them. The management did that and put the right girls on them. Everyone did so well. We worked so hard and the hunger was out for it and it showed towards the end.”

The Gaughan goal is a story in itself. It was her first game back after a cruciate operation. Everyone was delighted for her.

“She has been one of our most committed players all year even though she wasn’t training. Fair play to her. It is brilliant for her,” said Henry.

I CANNOT BELIEVE IT. AN ALL-IRELAND FINAL IS SOMETHING YOU DREAM ABOUT.