On Sunday at 12.30pm in Charlestown, Carnacon go looking to claim their 15th provincial title in 18 years, what they have achieved over almost two decades is phenomenal and if they manage to make it win number 15 it will be another chapter in their glorious history.
Standing in their way are Leitrim champions Kiltubrid, who booked their spot in the provincial showpiece with a 3-9 to 0-10 win over Sligo champions St Nathy's and Roscommon winners Kilbride on a score of 5-9 to 3-11 in the quarter-final. They reached this stage last year where they were beaten by Killerrin- Clonberne from Galway, who beat Carnacon in the semi-final last time out. But a fortnight ago the Mayo girls got revenge over the Galway girls with a 3-13 to 0-11 win in Ballyhaunis.
That win for Carnacon was a sweet one after falling to the same opponents at the same stage last year. Cora Staunton as to be expected was their top scorer hitting 2-8 over the hour, but it was a big team performance that saw them over the line in that encounter. Their back division, led by Sharon McGing and Martha Carter in the lynchpin number three and six shirts respectively were well supporterd by Maria Corbett and Aoife Loftus. In the mildde of the park team captain Doireann Hughes and Fiona McHale were on top form and will be expected to be again come Sunday. While up front Staunton will be the fulcrum, but with Natasha Beegan, Amy Dowling and Michelle McGing also in the mix, there's plenty of other quality to go around and help out on the scoreboard.
While the favourites tag will be impossible to shake, the Carancon girls will be leaving nothing to chance as they have done all through the years and they will be keyed up to do what they have to do to make sure another Connacht title is coming home with them on Sunday afternoon.
