Hann of history

The historic significance of this weekend’s Avenir Sports All-Island Cup Final is not lost on Hannah Doherty.

Cliftonville Ladies will face Galway United for the right to be crowned the competition’s first ever Champions in Sunday’s showdown in Sligo, and Doherty is confident the Reds won’t shy away from the challenge.

“We’ve had a few high pressure, competitive games so far this season where we’ve produced a performance and come away with a result,” she explains.

“While our team is still fairly young, everyone has a wealth of experience having played at a high level from a young age so it will be a familiar feeling and something everyone will be expected to take in their stride.

“The mood in the camp is very positive. We had a few days off after a heavy game load and everyone’s raring to go again. Preparations are already under way and we’re looking forward to making history competing in the first All-Island Cup Final.”

As is par for the course in this inaugural tournament, Cliftonville will come up against an opponent they know very little about – a situation Doherty is more than happy to embrace.

“Every southern team we’ve played so far has brought a level of physicality we don’t see every week in our domestic League,” she adds.

“It will be another great test for us. It’s always exciting playing against a team and players you’re not familiar with.”

Avenir Sports All-Island Cup Final Tickets
Adults: €10
Under-16s: €5

Buy online: Here
Tickets also available at the turnstiles
Free admission to Cliftonville Season Ticket holders