Ulster Club Ladies SFC: First-time winners Clann Eireann 'came out with a different mentality'
- Published
Niamh Henderson captained Clann Eireann to their first Ulster title on Sunday
Clann Eireann captain Niamh Henderson says a greater focus on mental strength and a high workrate were key factors in her side clinching a first-ever Ulster Ladies Football title on Sunday.
Clann Eireann beat Down champions Bredagh 1-10 to 0-8 at Healy Park.
Niamh Coleman's goal eight minutes from time sealed the Lurgan club's success.
"I believe the club has always had the talent but this year we've come out with a different mentality," said Henderson.
"We didn't think we would be here this time last year. We've just been working so hard throughout the year and the belief in our team has grown, that's what has got us over the line.
"I can't even describe the feeling, it was just an amazing match, lived up to all expectations and I'm just so delighted."
It took 20 minutes for the Armagh champions to register their first score in the decider but ultimately Clann Eireann ran out five-point winners to book a place against Waterford and Munster champions Ballymacarbry in the All-Ireland semi-finals in early December.
"We've worked a lot on our mental strength throughout the year and we've been told this year to always stay in the blue zone, control the controllables - what's important is the next ball, the next score, the next tackle. That's the way our mentality has been," explained Henderson.
"We knew we would be up against it against Bredagh but there was only one thing on our mind this year and that was to win the Ulster final and we're so proud of ourselves.
"We were struggling to get a manager at the start of the year and we were waiting for someone like him to come in and change that mentality.
"He has been amazing and our belief this year, our workrate, everything has changed. We're a different team this year and it showed in our whole Ulster run."