Gannon is in confident mood ahead of Dublin’s clash with Kilkenny
Dublin's Aisling Gannon against Emily McCabe of Westmeath (Image: iLivePhotos.com)

Gannon is in confident mood ahead of Dublin’s clash with Kilkenny

ST JUDE’S forward, Aisling Gannon is full of confidence ahead of Dublin’s Leinster Senior Camogie Championship Final showdown with Kilkenny in O’Moore Park on Saturday.

It has been a fantastic year for the Gannon family, with Niamh, Claire and Aisling all making their mark in the coveted blue jersey.

For Aisling, this is her first year with the senior panel and she has enjoyed no shortage of success at full-forward.

The attacking player was part of the first Dublin team to play in Croke Park since 2011 in their Division One League win over Down in March and now has helped the county into a provincial decider.

In her senior championship debut, Gannon was on fire, tallying 0-3 from play, as Dublin secured a 1-15 to 0- 4 win over Westmeath in Abbotstown last weekend to secure their place in the decider.

“That was my first time starting for the Dublin senior team,” Gannon told The Echo.

“I was nervous and excited for the match because obviously it was a big occasion, but at the end of the day it was just another camogie match.

The team had prepared well and I had prepared well individually.

“I was happy to get on the scoreboard.

That was my aim, to settle myself down. Obviously as a forward, it my job to contribute to the scoreboard.

“It’s a different feeling when you’re scoring for your county.

“It helps your confidence throughout the game.

“As soon as I got that first one I felt more relaxed and had that bit more belief in myself that I could take a shot and help the team.”

Beating Kilkenny at any stage is always a big ask and with the occasion being a Leinster Final, pressure is mounting on Adrian O’Sullivan’s side to claim a first provincial title since 1987.

For Gannon, who is yet to play the Cats at senior level, she feels like the Dubs can have a good crack at this Kilkenny outfit who have dominated the competition in recent years.

“Obviously Kilkenny are a very strong, solid team and it will be a challenge.

“At the end of the day it is a 60-minute match and we are aiming to win on Saturday.

“Everyone is buzzing in training, everyone has belief that we can come out and beat Kilkenny on Saturday.

“Even after the match against Westmeath, who are a very strong side, we knew there was more in us.

“There are a lot of positives to take, but even more learnings and we know we can put on an even stronger performance on Saturday to get the win” she insisted.

TAGS
Share This