Sara Louise eager to make amends in Ulster Final

Down go into tomorrow’s NWP Recycling Ulster Senior Championship Final as underdogs against reigning Champions Derry. En route to winning the 2012 title Derry defeated Down in the Semi-Final with two late goals sealing victory in Extra Time. Soaring Star and Down Full Forward Sara Louise Carr believes that game had a big bearing on both counties run in the All-Ireland Championships.

In September Down lost the All-Ireland Premier Junior Final at Croke Park against Meath while Derry went on to claim to the Intermediate Championship after a replay against Galway. Like many of the Down and Derry players who featured in that Ulster Semi-Final Carr is also of the opinion that Down should have won that game and it is a big motivating factor ahead of the clash at Owenbeg

“I would definitely say they stole that game and for us it was a big game that got away. It was a game that could have set the tone for the rest of our year as there were a few games last year that we weren’t able to hold out and get over the line. In the Antrim game this year we were able to get into the lead in the second half and hold out for the win. Last year’s defeat is a big incentive for us because that probably set the tone for Derry last year also as they went on to win the All-Ireland Intermediate Championship.  It was the opposite effect for us and maybe damaged our confidence. We maybe lacked that bit of experience but it’s definitely the game that got away”.

(Sara Louise Carr in 2012 All-Ireland Premier Junior Final)

Down will be aiming to be back in Croke Park in September to contest their third Premier Junior Final in a row and will be desperate to win although the Clonduff forward insists that sole focus for the squad is securing victory tomorrow.

“The ultimate goal is the All-Ireland Premier Junior but Derry have set the standard for us all to aspire to tomorrow’s game is one we are desperate to win as it can set us up for the rest of the year. If we can get a good performance and result over Derry then it will give us massive confidence and winning an Ulster title would be great for Down camogie”.

Down certainly have talent all over the pitch and Sara Louise pointed out the importance of a resolute defence in their quest for success this year. In their Semi-Final victory over old rivals Antrim the Down defence never conceded a score in the second half in Ballycran

“We knew going into the Antrim game we knew weren’t far of each other but we knew it was going to be tough. It’s been a long time since we have beat Antrim in any competition so it was great to get the win. It was a dogfight of a game but in the second half we performed well and our defence held them scoreless. In the first half we let in a couple of goals which were soft and we knew if we could cut out the mistakes we could come back in the second half and win the game”.

With Sara Louise and her teammates in a determined mood not to allow Derry a home victory in the NWP Recycling Ulster Senior Championship Final this game has the makings of a cracking encounter.

NWP Recycling Ulster Senior Championship Final

Derry v Down 3.45pm Owenbeg, Derry GAA Centre