Monaghan captain Muireann Atkinson ready to lead the next generation

DETERMINED: Muireann Atkinson of Monaghan celebrates after her side were awarded a penalty during the 2022 National League Division 2 semi-final against Kerry. Pic: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

Ten years on from a whirlwind debut campaign in the white and blue of the Farney County, Muireann Atkinson is hopeful that brighter days are on the horizon for Monaghan.

Brought onto the panel at the tender age of 16 by then manager Gregory McGonigle (who had been impressed by a display she gave at club level with O’Neill Shamrocks), Atkinson was included amongst the Monaghan substitutes for their agonising 1-10 to 1-9 TG4 All-Ireland senior final defeat to Cork at Croke Park in 2013.