By Katrina Brennan

EIMEAR Smyth stole all the headlines on Monday morning after a dazzling display in Croke Park that saw the Derrygonnelly sharpshooter kick 1-9.

It was Smyth’s third All-Ireland victory but a first in Croke Park, having previously won the titles in Clones in 2017 and Parnell Park in 2020.

Smyth, 23, was awarded ‘Player of the Match’ and collected the ‘Golden Boot’ award after amassing an incredible 8-48 throughout the championship, making her the leading scorer in Ireland.

“I suppose that’s a nice individual accolade but the one we really wanted was the All-Ireland Final, so to get that medal in the back pocket here in Croke Park is really special,” said Smyth.

Smyth had a 100 per cent strike rate from her frees on Sunday and only kicked one wide from play in what was a remarkable performance from the modest full forward.

“Some days they go for you and some days they don’t. I suppose today, thankfully, I was able to contribute to the team, that’s the big thing. I thought we worked so hard all over the pitch.

“ It was the girls getting into them positions to win the frees. I thought we drove really well up the pitch as well, to be able to get in them positions.”

Her accuracy in front of goals has long been her trademark but as her coach C.J. McGourty would vouch, she’s a player who strives for continuous improvement.

When asked how much time she puts into practicing her free-taking she said;

“It’s harder now in championship time, you’re probably trying to look after your body a bit more in terms of the recovery side but over the winter it was something I really took upon myself.

“I love going down to Canon Maguire pitch in Derrygonnelly and practicing frees, I love playing football, so it’s a nice break away to get down and clear the head once or twice a week, whatever it may be, depending on the training schedule and I suppose whenever you’re doing that, days like this make it really, really special after putting in all that hard work.”

Smyth’s ability to kick from all angles sets her apart.

Standing in front of a noisy Davin Stand was no distraction for the Derrygonnelly player;

“One of the techniques; I visualise a lot before, so I’ve been there before in the weeks leading up to the game. Even practicing down in Derrygonnelly – I’m standing in Croke Park. I suppose those first couple of frees are going to be nervy anyway but once you kind of get the first few ticking over thankfully, then you get into your stride and thankfully most of them went over today.”

Smyth scored the only goal of the game in the 10th minute and it gave Fermanagh a good foundation in the game;

“I don’t know whether Blaíthín was going for a point or a pass, I don’t know, I’ll let her say,” she quipped. “

“But yeah, I couldn’t believe it then, turn and spin from the ‘keeper and it was an open net. That probably settled us well into the game, it gave us a good platform to go and attack the game then and thankfully it went in anyway.”

Sunday was one of the good days in a Fermanagh jersey and to share the occasion with her younger sister Bronagh, who came on in the 48th minute, added to it;

“It’s been a really special year, Bronagh coming into the panel. It’s been really competitive for places but I thought she did well coming on, first time playing in Croke Park, and not a bother to her really, she won a couple of balls and thankfully then I was able to put it over.

“It’s been really special and it’s a really proud day for our family as well, they’ve supported us right from when we were young to here and it’s really special to see that progression.”