Naomh Abán gear up for final

NAOMH ABÁN are bidding for Cork’s third All-Ireland club ladies football title in six days when they face Parnell’s of London in this afternoon’s intermediate final in Portarlington.

However, hopes of a Rebel hat trick are not being used as a motivating tool down Ballyvourney way.

“It doesn’t come into it,” team boss Jerry Lynch said emphatically. “Our sole objective is to win.”

Nevertheless, after Donoughmore’s and Gabriel Rangers’s success last weekend in the senior and junior decider, there is bound to be additional pressure on the mid-Cork side to deliver the goods.

This is Naomh Abán’s first final appearance at this level having stepped down from the top grade in 2003. A move that has proved to be most beneficial, according to their team manager.

“We came down because our numbers had reduced, but the decision has worked in our favour,” says Lynch who is in his first term of management.

“The girls have great heart and have shown the stomach for tight situations winning some of our matches by the narrowest of margins.”

They won the quarter final over The Glen from Derry by one point, and followed that with a two point win over Mayo champions Kilmovee in the semi- final.

Full back Fiona O’Sullivan and Caoimhe Creedon at full forward both contested the All-Ireland junior final of 1998 and will bring experience to the side which boasts a number of talented minors like Lisa McSweeney, Carmel McCarthy and Caroline Barry.

Parnells have also re-graded this season. However, evidence of their strengths can be measured by having three points to spare over the Leinster champions in the semi-final and a number of easy wins at senior club level in London.