Tim for glory

Antrim’s Claire Timoney

FOR MOST players, an All-Ireland final is the focal point of their entire year. Right now though, it isn’t even the key event in Antrim captain Claire Timoney’s week.

The move of the ladies finals day back by a week due to the All-Ireland hurling final replay has played havoc with the Saffron attacker’s schedule as she is sitting crucial accountancy exams this Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. It is therefore not until Friday afternoon that she can turn her attentions to Sunday’s Croke Park showdown with Louth, and her responsibility of leading Antrim out in their All-Ireland junior football final clash with Louth.

“It has been a bit of a nightmare trying to juggle everything, but it has had its advantages as well. It’s good because the exams mean I haven’t got time to get too nervous or wound up about the game, and once Friday comes and the exams are over, I’ll be able to fully focus and enjoy the All-Ireland experience instead of having the stress of impending exams hanging over me.”

Timoney was a key figure in the 2009 All-Ireland junior championship winning side, and the Bredagh player has taken over the responsibility of captaining the side from her club colleague Geardine McGinley, who Timoney insists is keeping her right in the lead-up to the game.

“Geardine is brilliant. I’ve been in contact with her nearly every day. She’s been there and done it all, so any advice she has to offer then I’m more than willing to listen and to take it on board.”

The full story is in the current issue of Gaelic Life, published on Thursday September 27. Buy your copy now in your local newsagent, or you can purchase the online version – for only 90p – by clicking here