Ladies start their league campaign in Division 2 on Thursday evening at the Park. Let’s get out and cheer them on.
Ahead of the game, we caught up with this year’s senior captain, Maddie Crawford.
Dia duit Maddie. Are you looking forward to Thursday evening?
The team and I are buzzing for Thursday, we can’t wait to get going with the league. We are in a really good place currently with a solid pre season behind us and it will be great to see everything come together on Thursday evening.
Moving up a division is a big difference for the girls, what do you think the challenges will be?
For any team moving up a division, it is certainly a step up, coming across tougher opponents who have played at that level for years. But the girls have put in serious work the past 3/4 years to get to where we are now, we were unbeaten in the league last year which to me shows we should have been in Division 2 a long time ago. We know this year will come with challenges too, every team gets their opportunities in a game but for us it will be how we combat that period, regroup and execute when our opportunities arise.
Have there been any particular match preparations that you can share with us?
The team as a whole have been on top form the last few weeks leading up to our first game. I think as we get closer it is more about utilising our contact time with each other in the most beneficial way. That means everyone is switched on, focused and aware of their roles when we leave training on a Tuesday ahead of our game. There are no secrets I’m afraid just hard work, consistency and everything being very clinical.
Taking the role of captain – how do you feel?
I am absolutely delighted to have been asked to captain an amazing bunch of girls, it is such an honour. From playing at underage to now captaining the seniors, it’s been a journey but a very rewarding one. As for the team we have leaders throughout that will support Caitlin and I in our new roles, which is brilliant to have. It is great to have our new management in also, Ryan and Brendy have been superb. Now it’s time to get going and see what the 2025 season has in store💙💛
New manager Ryan O’Gorman comes to the role after the last number of years involved in both senior men’s and ladies’ teams in the club. He’s delighted to be the man in charge now and answered a few questions before the first game against Rostrevor.
1. Are you looking forward to Thursday evening?
Absolutely. We’ve had a few good challenge matches in pre-season but can’t wait for the competitive matches to start. The sacrifices the girls have made and continue to make is a credit to them all. We’ve really worked hard as a group in pre-season and know it will stand to us in 2025. There is a real togetherness which has been created in Saul over many years and it is on us to carry that ethos on. It is a great group to be involved in.
2. Is there a big difference in moving up a division? What do you think the challenges are with this?
I wouldn’t say there is a huge difference as such as a lot of the teams in division this group would have played in recent years and more than held their own with – so it won’t be unfamiliar territory that way. Coming up as division 3 champions, naturally enough we will be seen as the lowest ‘seed’ this year on paper but this group has done well year on year recently and feel we belong here. Also having numerous girls not only on county panels, but playing pivotal playing & leadership roles is a testament to the work of the players themselves but also the club’s vision for ladies football and how it’s thriving. It’s no coincidence that the fantastic achievements of this group over the last 4 years have led to the influx of quality younger players on our panel this year – and long may that continue. I feel the standard across the board in Down football has raised considerably over recent years, which is great to see, and division 2 this year is as competitive as I’ve ever seen it – so the challenge will be how we can perform because there is nothing handed to you and if you’re not on it will be caught.
3. Any particular match preparations you have that you can share?
Get there ridiculously early some might say, get everything set up and at home matches relax with the wonderful hospitality of a cup of tea and Lidl Jaffa cake (if you know you know). Other brands available of course
Adh Mór from all in the club!
