Cork legend Rena Buckley claimed 0-7 (6 frees) of Donoughmore's 1-12 to 1-11 win over McHale Rovers in the All-Ireland Ladies Junior Club Championship final this afternoon.
"It’s very, very special," Buckley said of winning her 21st national title with her home club, who were senior champions in 2013 but were unable to even field a team two years ago.
"Donoughmore have a very strong and proud history of ladies football and over the last couple of years we’ve probably slipped back a little bit.
"I suppose the most important thing is for the girls to buy in and really give it their all to play football for Donoughmore, that’s the most satisfying thing. With that came the success in the games and to get all the way today and to get over the line by the skin of our teeth today.’
The All-Ireland glory was fought hard for by two rampant sides and the healthy crowd that had travelled to Duggan Park were put through their paces.
The Cork ladies were in front by four at the break but the westerners sneaked a goal and a point through the skills of Mayo star Rachel Kearns to push the game to extra time.
"That’s as good a game as any," said Buckley, who won 11 senior football and seven senior camogie titles with Cork.
"Sport is sport. I know everybody loves the top-level sport but club stuff, it’s raw. It’s emotional. We love it. It’s fantastic to be part of it,.
"It’s outstanding. The crowd was so audible the whole game and they really got behind each of their teams.
"Both teams travelled in numbers. It’s fantastic for ladies football, it’s fantastic for women’s sport and it’s great for sport. Sport is brilliant."
