“We knew we had to win today" - Canavan delighted with performance
Niamh Canavan
A job well done was how Niamh Canavan described this win over Kildare. After defeats to Kilkenny and Meath, the Barrowsiders have their future in their own hands. A win against Kerry next week and if they beat Antrim in their final group game, they are all but assured of a place in the All-Ireland intermediate quarter-final.
“We are delighted. We had two very tough opening games against Kilkenny and Meath. To come back with two wins after being behind by six points at one stage last week and again we were down today, it is brilliant to put our shoulder to the wheel and drive it on,” said the Ballinkillen player.
“We knew we had to win today. We knew if we didn’t that would be our championship over.” After the early scare, ripped into Kildare. Referee, Karol Collins, was happy to let the game flow.
“He was letting it go. He was letting the physicality go. I think that suited us. We had been giving frees away in previous games. Today, to get the little bit of rub of the green, we were able to use our physicality. We are a big team especially in the backs. We are delighted,” said Canavan.
For the second week in a row, Kate Nolan came off the bench and scored a goal. Holly Wall also excelled when introduced. Canavan says this is vital.
“To have players like Kate Nolan coming in. Holly Wall is doing her Leaving Cert. Niamh Minchin and Shauna Sweeney. Those players are training really hard and are trying to push into the 15. Training will be really good this week.”
Last week, Carlow allowed themselves to be bossed for long spells by Dublin. This time, they set the parameters with a defence who gave only 1-3 away over 65 minutes.
Rebecca Kelly was on fire on Saturday. When the going was tough she scored two excellent points which visibly lifted those around. Her early second half point brought her total to three from play as she added another nail into the Kildare coffin.
