Cats’ Aylward keen to seize the day

KILKENNY defender Elaine Aylward is hoping to continue her club Mullinavat’s golden age in Sunday’s All-Ireland senior camogie final in Croke Park.

Willie O’Dwyer represented the south Kilkenny outfit in last weekend’s historic four-in-a-row success at GAA headquarters and on Sunday Mullinavat will again have a notable presence on the sacred sod with Leanne Fennelly, Amy Butler, Michelle Quilty and Claire Aylward alongside Elaine on the panel.

A three-time Leinster winner and an All-Ireland junior medal winner back in 2002, Aylward has had to be patient for the wait for a marquee senior final appearance. The Cats’ progression to this stage in the senior grade has been aided by a rich assembly underage line of talent that has produced a four-in-a-row, All Ireland minor winning outfit.

“It’s brilliant to have all the underage success have had in recent times, from U16 and U18 to second-level colleges and in the Ashbourne Cups,” admitted Aylward.

“All of that brings extra experience to all the players on our team, and helps to create plenty belief in the team.

“We have a panel with a real winning mentality which is crucial to being successful.

“It is evident in training amongst ourselves and that carries onto games which is most important.”

A third of the Kilkenny panel are still in their teens and the experienced Aylward is well placed to gauge the progress. Still, a Cork team that has already defeated Kilkenny once this year will provide a stern test on Sunday.

“They’ve really raised the bar and that’s proven by the fact that this is their eighth final in a row.

“They have the experience of winning All-Ireland titles and that’s a fabulous track record which speaks for itself.

“We are under no illusions as to just how tough the game is going to be against Cork.

“But we are determined to give it everything in Croke Park on Sunday. It’s a huge occasion for us.”