Derry success built on Strong Defence says Ace Attacker Kielt

Derry forward Karen Kielt says that while she and her teammates in the Derry forward line are getting plaudits it is only because their defence has built the platform for them to attack. The Oak Leaf rear-guard have been miserly in conceding only 31 points in their four games on route to the All-Ireland Intermediate Final and hopes this will continue when they take on Galway on Sunday.

‘Our defence has been unbelievable and is the big reason that we are undefeated all year. Even when we have jigged things around after losing Katrina O’Kane and Maria Mooney they have been great. Aoife Ni Chasaide is only 17 and went in at Full Back and has been outstanding. We have a strong half back line and there are no wasted 70 yard balls and this gives the forwards a real chance’ said Karen

(Karen on the attack in the Ulster Final)

Looking at the progress this year Karen believes that Derry are in good spirit ‘We have performed well all year and had a real tough game against Down in the NWP Recycling Ulster Championship. We looked out of it in normal time and in extra-time and battled through for the win. We were 10 points down against Galway in the league and fought back to win by a point. Derry Camogie is in a good place right now as our Minors and U16’s have been performing well for the last couple of years and these players have moved into the Senior team. The squad is young with an average age of 22 and this bodes well for the future as we hope to be in Division One League and Senior Championship next year’.

The Derry set up has allowed the girls to succeed and Karen believes the management of Gerard McErlaine and John A Mullan have the girls well prepared. ‘The training is very tough and the in house games are great. There are some tough battles coming up against our defenders. Even after injuries the team has been jigged about and shows the management have got a strong squad working together to win this All-Ireland. We have had setbacks like missing players of the calibre of Katrina and Grainne McGoldrick in recent games but quality has filled in and there is great competition for places which has helped a lot’.

Karen was recently awarded Irish News Merit Award at their 2012 All-Stars banquet and was quick to deflect it the praise to those who have helped her gain the award ‘It’s nice on a personal level but it could really went to any of our players, especially the backs and it’s also nice for my club Kilrea for all effort that they put in over the years is being recognised’.

Croke Park on All-Ireland Final day is a special place and Karen is thankful that many of their players have played there over the last few years for either Eoghan Rua in 2011/2012 and for Derry in All-Ireland Junior Championship 2006/2007. ‘Croke Park is where you want to play, it’s a special place and it will be good that many of our players have the experience of playing there. I also want to wish Down all the best in their Final also. It would be great to have an Ulster double’.

Here’s hoping Karen and Derry can add more silverware to a successful season on Sunday

The Ulster Council wish Derry and Down all the best for Sunday