Kerry's captain, Siofra O'Shea, aims to make history in All-Ireland Ladies Senior Football Championship Final
Kerry's captain, Siofra O'Shea, has stated that her team aims to etch their own history this weekend, leading up to the All-Ireland Ladies Senior Football Championship Final at Croke Park on Sunday (4 pm).
Kerry, who suffered defeat at the hands of Meath in last year's final, returns to Croke Park, this time poised to face Dublin for the Brendan Martin Cup.
Considering Kerry's reputation for its illustrious football history, one might expect their trophy cabinet to be brimming with All-Ireland titles, but unfortunately, that's not the case.
Kerry's most recent triumph was back in 1993, with near misses in 2012 and 2022. They lost to Meath in the latter final
O'Shea acknowledges that the prolonged trophy drought has persisted for far too long, and the team is determined to bring it to an end this weekend. Despite not being able to play because of an ACL injury, she's backing the team from the sidelines.
"It's been 30 years, and that's a very long time down in Kerry when you see the success the men have had and the success the ladies had before that," says O'Shea.
'It's gutting..'@kerryladiesfoot captain Siofra O'Shea will miss Sunday's TG4 All Ireland Senior Final after a second ACL injury in 13 months.
Get your tickets now! ➡️ https://t.co/vrtTHIMbmA #ProperFan @SportTG4 - Video by @JeromeQuinn pic.twitter.com/sbCX9GUlBg— Ladies Football (@LadiesFootball) August 9, 2023
"Players who achieved success three decades ago, such as Mary Jo Curran and Mary Lane, can still be seen around, offering their support at all our games.
"Geraldine O'Shea is part of our management team and carries her All-Ireland medal as a source of inspiration. They greatly motivate us, but we've collaborated with our management team for the past four years, striving to create our own historical moment and secure a victory for our team."
When questioned about the reasons behind Kerry's absence from the winner's circle since the early 90s, the Kerry captain points out that past opportunities have been hindered by a lack of stability and organisational structures.
"I can't speak for the years before my own birth," the 21-year-old explains reasonably.
"However, over the past decade or so, the absence of proper stability and structures has played a role. Since the 2012 All-Ireland, there have been numerous changes in management. They reached the All-Ireland final and experienced defeat, leading to a revolving door of managers.
"From the outset, we held onto our belief, and I suppose the management team recognised that although it might take a few years, our success was inevitable. That's the turning point - the collective belief. Now, each game is approached with a winning mentality."
The showdown between Kerry and Dublin will be broadcast live on TG4 this Sunday.
