DUBLIN ALL-STAR CIARA Trant believes that better goalkeeping has brought ladies football to a whole new level.
Trant has also praised her male counterpart Stephen Cluxton with changing the face of the game.
“Goalkeeping standards rising has brought the game to a whole new level. It’s fantastic to see and the more goalkeeping rises, the harder it is on forwards and the better the defence becomes as well so it’s all positive,” said Trant.
“Cluxton has changed the game and he’s set the bar higher for everyone to try and reach so yeah, everyone’s following in his footsteps and it’s great to be able to learn from someone who’s such a nice guy and so efficient at what he does,” said Trant, speaking in Dublin as the LGFA’s new insurance partner AIG announced exclusive discounts on car and home insurance for LGFA members and their families.
Trant is goalkeeper for Mick Bohan’s side, who face Westmeath in the TG4 Leinster final next Sunday, and she revealed that the Leinster decider is a game she’s wary of.
“I’m always extremely nervous playing Westmeath. The score-line over the past few years hasn’t reflected how the game has gone. I think two years ago they hit the crossbar three times in the game.
“They’re always up for it so there will be a bit of nerves on my part which will probably be a healthy thing. Looking forward to getting championship started and we’re just focusing on ourselves and getting things right for day one,” she added.
The St Brigid’s footballer is a fan of the competition’s All-Ireland qualifier format as it gives sides more games to develop as a team and enables them to reach their potential.
“I love the new format. The more games the better and it gives you a chance as a team to develop more. It makes it more competitive and more exciting.
“Training and getting up in the morning is a lot easier when you have another match coming up on a regular basis, rather than knowing it’s four or five weeks’ time until your next game,” the Dublin footballer said.
Trant was happy to get back playing for her club, after the disappointment of not winning the Lidl National League, as Cork defeated Dublin in the Division 1 semi-final.
“I suppose not winning the League is a disappointment, considering we won it the previous year but there’s a lot of new girls on the panel this year and it’s great for everyone to get game time – that’s essential.
“The gap between league and championship isn’t great from a Dublin perspective but as players you get to go back and play with your club, back to where it started. It’s fantastic that in Dublin we’ve such a competitive club championship,” she said.
LGFA players Ciara Trant, Niamh Carr, Áine McDonagh and Eimear Scally were at the announcement of AIG’s exclusive insurance offers to LGFA members
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There really should be a weigh in this week between Neil McGee and Aidan O’Shea, gaa missing a trick. That battle will be worth the entrance price on Saturday alone.
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Really hope Mayo leave O’Shea on the edge of the square for the whole game. That’d be some battle for 70 mins. McGee is as physical a full back as you’d come across but I still soon by think he has the physically to match O’Shea. It’ll be some battle
Good player donegal have there work cut out with this fellow
So have Mayo no plans to give Michael Murphy a bit of attention on Saturday.Trying to get into the refs head
All managers play mind game these days. In fairness the bigger players can find it hard to win frees. Michael Murphy another example.
Maybe Donegal should play the Sligo tactics against Mayo. God the regular
losers think they can sinc out a team like Donegal .
Ah sure Mayo have the all ireland won already.
I was talking to a Mayo man who is waiting for the final before going to Croke Park
up donegal.
This stage last year against Armagh Lacey and Murphy and many others had players hanging off them and choking their throats – nowt was done and no black cards.
It’s sad that if 2 marquee players – one a player if the year and one the Irish captain – can’t be protected then what hope is there for the others?
Ah now peter, Donegal are infamous for their cynical play and underhand tactics. When u have the two megees in your team u can’t really complain about getting a hard deal from refs, also murphy is very good at winning frees
Bull. Can’t argue with stats. Best discipline record of the top 6.
McGee is used to standing up to bullies – e.g. Marriage equality.
Next up Mayo boss warns Donegal not to beat them next Saturday!
Shocker!
McGee is an old style full back, no nonsense and plays hard but I think plays fair. Aidan wil face a different animal Sat but I think he will jus shade this battle. c’mon Maigh Eo
He may be old school but can play ball too. Not many full backs venture up the field to pop over points like he does