We are still the team to beat, says Barrett

MOSSIE BARRETT is no stranger to finals.

Barrett, has been involved with the lady footballers of Donoughmore for a decade, a golden spell which has seen them land nine county senior titles, four provincial crowns and two All-Irelands.

Tomorrow they bid for back to back national accolades and the mood is positive down south. So too is the production line of talent.

Fifteen-year-old Linda Barrett is in line for inclusion for the meeting with Ballyboden/St. Endas in St. Brendans Park, Birr.

She is one of three newcomers likely to start. Rose Cogan missed out on last year's final because of suspension, while Ruth-Ann Buckley was in America for the 2003 success but has returned looking for that coveted All-Ireland medal.

Barrett has no worries about exposing the teenagers to such a day.

"Unlike in camogie the age profile in ladies football tends to be younger. Linda is an exceptionally talented footballer and is a great asset to the team. So are Rose and Ruth-Ann. Their availability give us extra options."

The dual player issue is also a live one in the world of the Ladies football as Barrett said at least half of the squad played camogie as well.

In regard to the challenge of Ballyboden/St. Endas tomorrow, Barrett said: "We beat them in the 2001 final, and having lost the 2003 final also, they won't be lacking in motivation.

"They also include seven of the Dublin team which narrowly lost this year's All-Ireland final to Galway and last year's decider to Mayo. But I feel we are still the team to beat. We are the champions and this will be our 149th time together next Sunday.

"We have trained exceptionally well, have no injury problems, and if we perform to our ability, it's going to take a right good team to beat us."