Mourneabbey are gunning for three-in-a-row in Saturday’s All-Ireland club final - but it’s missing out on a magnificent seven closer to home that’s driving them.
The Cork champions were beaten in the 2020 county final by the West Cork divisional outfit, ending their six-year winning streak, and while there was confusion over their eligibility to represent the county in Munster, the provincial and All-Ireland series was pulled in any event due to the pandemic.
“It was the ingredient that made us that little bit hungrier this year,” said vice-captain Laura Fitzgerald. “We went back training this year as if we had lost all five or six county titles.
“We had to seriously make up for the loss that we just experienced. I know we had won the couple of years previous, not that it meant nothing, but like we had to redeem ourselves massively in County Cork itself. We went out with a purpose this year then.”
As it transpired, the West Cork amalgamation was found to have drawn players from too many clubs in 2020 and they couldn’t even defend their title last year, though Fitzgerald denied that that fed their disappointment.
"I don't think that was our issue initially. We would play anyone within the county, especially when they were so strong and they really put it up to us for the couple of years that they were in the competition.
"The only issue we had was the fact that there was going to be difficulty for us representing Cork in Munster. But again, these are things that us players can't control. So, once the county final was done we went back training as if we were representing Cork in the Munster Championship.
"When competitions were pulled, we were obviously a little bit devastated but these are things we can't control. Everything was so unpredictable that it was probably easier just to pull them.”
Still, it could have cost Mourneabbey another All-Ireland title - they may well be bidding for four-in-a-row against Kilkerrin-Clonberne in Birr this weekend otherwise.
"For younger players who had just joined, they were probably really looking forward to the experience of the Munster Championship but we kind of knew that when the year was going to be called off there, the only thing left to do is reset for 2021. That's what we did.”
Mourneabbey boss Shane Ronayne has been juggling the role with that of managing the Cork senior team of late and Fitzgerald speaks about him in glowing terms.
“He was the final ingredient we needed to start winning counties and push on further. I remember when he started, he brought an element of professionalism.
“Some knew him from the college football set-up but when he came in, he just changed our mindset, even the training we put in, he had everything structured from minute to minute what we were doing in training.
“He has been the same for years and we are well used to him.”
Ronayne left the Waterford men’s team to take on Cork ladies in the close season and Fitzgerald added: “I know he has had more teams than Mourneabbey on the go but we wouldn’t have known it such is the level of dedication he gives to us. He is very good in what he does.”
Fitzgerald has been among the goals for the club in the run to the final but her involvement with Cork over the years has been limited. Would she welcome a call from Ronayne after this weekend?
“I’m not sure to be honest. I haven’t really thought about it. I’ve been in the club now for the last couple of years and the hard work that goes into playing with Mourneabbey alone is almost as if we are playing inter-county but my sole focus is Mourneabbey at the moment, to be honest. I have not even thought about it.”
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
