Leitrim footballer Ailbhe Clancy hopes the next generation can be inspired by Leitrim's Intermediate All-Ireland final victory.
Leitrim won their first All-Ireland title since 2007 when they defeated Tyrone in Croke Park.
Crucial to their victory was Clancy, who scored 2-3 to guide her county to glory. Her performance earned her PwC player of the month for August, and she hopes young fans can take inspiration from their victory.
“It is incredible, last week was unbelievable, to see the streets in Carrick and all the towns and villages across the county, with Leitrim supporters
“In 2007, I was at Croke Park. I remember them when they won, coming home. I remember their celebrations, the homecoming, and seeing them outside the Croke Park Hotel.
“I remember those moments, hopefully it will instil dreams in young boys and girls that we have seen across Leitrim. They can know that they can do great things too.”
Coming from Division four, Leitrim have made huge strides under the management of Jonny Garrity since he took over last year.
With silverware to now back up their attacking football, the work done by management is there for all to see.
“Last year we got a new management team in, we were finding our feet a bit.
“Then, this year it really just took off, the team really came together. We are such a close team, everyone works so well together, and we all know our roles. It was fantastic to see. I know it is a cliché, but we did just take every game as it came, to try to tick each box.”
Next year will see Leitrim come up against the best the country has to offer in senior football.
In what will be a big challenge for Leitrim, Clancy is confident Leitrim can make the step up, and uses Meath of an example of how quickly teams can adapt.
“Meath came from Intermediate not too long ago, they've done incredibly well since then.
“We've just got to find our own path and our own journey too with Leitrim, with the different players in Leitrim. I'm sure the management team will be working hard behind the scenes, getting new players involved, getting different plans in place, to build on this momentum.”
