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Cork senior women's team given green light for historic match

The Cork senior women's footballers will make history when they take on Westmeath in the Lidl Nat...



Cork senior women's team given...
Football

Cork senior women's team given green light for historic match

The Cork senior women's footballers will make history when they take on Westmeath in the Lidl National Football League later this month.

The Division 1 champions start their title defence with a first ever competitive outing at Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

The historic clash with the women from the Lake County takes place on Saturday, January 25, with a 4pm throw-in time.

Team captain Doireann O’Sullivan commented on the announcement today.

"First of all, it’s a huge stepping stone for us, and with that bit of history as well," said O'Sullivan.

The women's senior footballers were due to play two games at Páirc Uí Chaoimh during the 2019 Lidl National League campaign but the ground was later made unavailable due to necessary remedial work.

The double-headers with the senior men's team eventually went ahead at Páirc Uí Rinn.

Their male counterparts will also be part of the historic day this month when they face Offaly in Division 3 of the Allianz League at 6pm.

O'Sullivan is now looking forward to finally displaying their talents on the county's biggest stage.

"Everybody was disappointed when that was unfortunately, and through nobody’s fault, taken away from us last year," added the skipper.

"We’re really looking forward to it and when you think of the great players who went before us who didn’t have this opportunity, we’re really lucky.

"There’s the added bonus that it’s a double-header and hopefully there will be a good crowd at it.

 "It’s a stepping stone for Ladies Football and for Cork as well. We’re delighted with it."

Cork LGFA Chairperson Neilus O’Carroll was delighted with the confirmation of the games.

"I think it’s a dream come true for Cork Ladies Football, to get to play at Páirc Uí Chaoimh," said O'Carroll.

"So many great players down through the years never played in their own main stadium, and it was a thorn for them.

"I always knew that change would come, especially when Tracey (Kennedy) became (Cork GAA) Chairperson, and I’m delighted that it has come to pass.

"The girls will be absolutely thrilled to play there on the 25th, especially in such a new stadium."

Kennedy is hoping to see more fixtures like this in the future.

"Cork County Board is delighted to be able to facilitate this double-header at Páirc Uí Chaoimh," said Kennedy.

"It’s a very special occasion, as these will be the first inter-county games played on the new pitch surface, and it’s wonderful to have both our men’s and women’s teams involved. I look forward to many more of these double-headers in the future."

Cork are 12-time Lidl NFL Division 1 champions and after their clash with Westmeath will travel to Munster rivals Tipperary a week later for a dress rehearsal ahead of the TG4 Munster semi-final between the counties in May.

CEO of the Ladies Gaelic Football Association, Helen O’Rourke, praised both parties for their efforts in organising the historic fixture.

"This is wonderful and timely news for the Cork Ladies Footballers, who have won numerous honours in recent years and remain one of the top teams in our game.

"On behalf of the LGFA, I would like to thank Cork LGFA and Cork GAA for their hard work in ensuring that their Ladies Footballers have such a fabulous venue in which to display their talents."

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Cork LGFA Pairc Ui Chaoimh