One thing the coaches agree on: This kid can play

Two bleary-eyed coaches from Tralee met each other at the front door of Cork’s Parochial Hall just after half-past ten on a Saturday morning. Both on the same scouting mission.

“Wait until you see her,” said one. “Her expression never changes. Watch.”

Only the 42 points that morning for Edel Thornton in a National U18 Cup semi-final against favoured Meteors from Dublin. A paltry 18 points followed the next day as Brunell’s U20 side made it a Cup weekend double for the Cork club.