Its crunch time as the ladies enter the business end of the league. They take on Strabane away from home in the Sigerson’s own back yard. This week www.theplunkettsgac.ie made our way out the Limehill Road, where the kettle was on, to get the low down on preparations from team manager Lorraine Girvan.

Q: Lorraine, tough season for the Ladies. Have we progressed as you would hope?

A: Yes, without a doubt. It is clear that we have moved on. Statistics don’t lie and unfortunately we were at the bottom of the table last year. This year we find ourselves in 3rd place and fighting for a league title. The progression both on and off the field is gradual and there for all to see.   

Q: How important is this thursdays match?

A: Very important. Simply put it is a must win game for us. We have put the work in throughout the year. The girls are aware of this and hopefully we can capitalise on that.  

Q: Have we learned much about Strabane since our league encounter?

A: It is fair to say that we have alot of experience with The Sigersons having played them over numerous seasons now. The league game didn’t go our way and we look to rectify that come thursday night. We have a competitive history with them and we want to beat them.  

Q: Both the senior men and the reserves suffered devastating defeats recently. What can the girls learn from those performances?

A: Both teams had difficulty early on in their respective games and struggled as a result of that. We don’t want to find ourselves in a similar situation come half time. It is imperative that we start well. It was clearly evident that the introduction of players from the bench can make such a difference and if we can utilise our subs accordingly then we have a good chance.  

Q: You have worked closely with Joe Cunningham and Felix Nugent this year. It must be a refreshing challenge to work with the current reserve manager. Have you adopted any influences from Joe and Flea?

A: I have really enjoyed working with Joe and Flea. They are experienced in their roles. Joe is an excellent trainer and really seems to relish the role. He definately has put the girls through their paces and we are arguably fitter than we have been in some time. Flea brought a fresh approach and invaluable experience from his reserve role. He is not afraid to make tough selection decisions and that is something that I will certainly take from this year. 

Q: Big performances are required for big games. This is a big game. Can we progress and make the final?

A: Strabane are a big scalp. If we can beat them in their own back yard then I would have confidence that we could beat any team. The difficulty for both teams is that we are approaching this fixture on the back of a lengthy lay-off due to the County Senior Ladies success. It will be physically tough. Strabane would be a physical team. We have to deal with that and I am sure that we are prepared and up for the challenge. Is it a big game? Yes, but we want to play in big games. That’s the place to be.

Let’s hope that the Ladies can do what the men could not and press on for league glory………..oh and Lorraine, thanks for the tea.

Throw in this thursday night 16th September at 7:30pm Strabane