UL aim to put painful memories behind them

REVENGE will doubtlessly form the core of Tony Hehir’s pre-game speech ahead of tomorrow’s Women’s SuperLeague Cup Final.

Twelve months ago, DART Killester ended the three-in-a-row title ambitions of Hehir’s UL Aughinish. Fate has brought the two together once more in the decider (National Basketball Arena, 1pm).

UL, appearing in their fifth final, have had an indifferent season but Hehir’s side lacks for nothing in experience with the brilliant Michelle Aspell, Jillian Ahearne and Dearbhla Breen backboning their challenge.

But Hehir has some injury concerns. He said: “Courtney McDaniel suffered a badly sprained ankle just two minutes into the Meteor game last weekend. She has been on physio ever since and we are hopeful she can play. Maire Guiney strained her Achilles tendon in the semis and has not trained since but will be back and Lisa Palmer remains a doubt with a shoulder injury.”

And what of the defeat last year - and the revenge factor?

“That defeat should not have been totally unexpected,” said Hehir.

“We had lost our American, Steffi Graff, the week before and Syreeta Bromfield had just arrived and was not ready. There was so much hype about the whole thing - the two-year winning streak and the three-in-a-row - I don’t think we thought seriously about the game at all.

“This year it is so different. We have had a mixed season and we are going in as underdogs. It is a new experience for us but we don’t mind at all.

“The really good thing about it is that Michelle (Aspell) is in super form - averaging 30 points per game - and she is really up for it after last year. Orla McFarland’s return has given us more fight which we did not have early in the season. The pressure is not the same as last year.”

Opposite number John O’Connor must plan without injured centre Eimear Brophy but welcomes back the influential Carmel Kissane who was hospitalised last week while Caitriona White and Leah Westbrooks, who also missed the win against Mustang Sally’s, are back for the final.

Sue Altman’s scoring ability will pose a huge threat for the Limerick side - she is the league’s top scorer. With Kissane, Orla Dempsey and White, they are a force to be reckoned with.

The two league games were close, exciting encounters, with a win apiece. Tomorrow will be no different.