CWSSL Gaynor Cup team under the direction of Stephen Mulcahy primed and ready to go

The CWSSL Cork Gaynor Cup team are in Limerick this week for the prestigious eagerly awaited tournament which is played in UL.

They began their campaign last night with a game against Inishowen, while today, they play two more games against Kerry and Carlow & District hoping to advance to the knockout stages of the competition.

Here manager Steven Mulcahy tells us about high hopes for the week and how preparations have gone for his squad.

“From the outset we have set out a goal to win the Gaynor outright but we are under no illusions of how difficult this will be,” Stephen Mulcahy said. 

"Essentially, you have to go through the tournament winning every game. 

"This is something we have worked really hard to achieve and I am confident the girls will give 100%.

"The squad are well prepared and won't be found wanting when it comes to commitment and effort. 

"For us, as coaches, that’s all you can ask for really. 

"We know the talent is there but it normally comes down to how hard the girls will work and how they cope with playing so many games over a short period. 

"There’s a lot of factors to take into consideration, girls away from home, sleeping in a strange bed, early mornings and multiple games but all a fabulous experience at the same time.

“We have a playing squad of 20 but 21 girls have travelled to the tournament here in Limerick with us. 

"Molly Hawkins broke her arm two weeks ago but is still very much part of the group. And while it’s a blow her being out of action, it’s great to have her on the sidelines part of the squad.

“We have 13 clubs represented from around Cork. Lakewood Athletic, Springfield Ramblers, Carrigaline United, Douglas Hall, Wilton, age, Macroom, Midleton, Strand, Park, Ringmahon, Mallow and Riverstown.

“We have a squad full of very talented players. Our captain Lily Sexton represented Munster schools. 

"Recently, we sent seven players to trial for an Associations Cup squad and represent Ireland. 

"Three of the girls, Lily Sexton, Orla Kelleher and Aoife Madden attended the final trial last week so we are hoping that they are successful. 

"Many of the girls juggle other sports at a high level and currently represent Cork in camogie and football. 

"So we know we are very lucky to have such talented girls with us this week and let’s hope they do themselves proud.” 

Knowing it’s a tough contest, Mulcahy knows the girls need to be at their best and while having a rough start, he believes they have got stronger as a squad and hopefully will peak at the right time.

“We travelled to Kerry at the very start of inter leagues and lost 2-1. Kerry are strong and reached the cup final v Galway. 

"A lot has changed since and we have improved as a group and hope we can reverse that result at the Gaynor today.

“Last year's squad won the Bowl competition which meant they finished the tournament in eighth place. 

"This put us as second seeds for this year's competition. 

"2019 was our last time winning the Gaynor Cup which was U15s at the time so it’s been awhile for sure.

“Our trial process began with 80 players and a difficult task was on hand to bring that down to 20, such was the talent around Cork. 

"Each club has the right to send players to trial with their allocation depending on the division they are in. 

"We started way back in June with 80 players and we had great coaches and committee watching the trials and after a number of weeks we made our first cut. 

"Our final cut to 20 players happened in September.

"The process is very difficult and without any doubt we could have picked another 10 players that would have represented Cork at this level.

“Every member of the squad has the ability to play National league and that's why they are on the squad and I have no doubt that we will see them at that level in the future. 

"Here’s hoping for a week of football and friendships.

“The year has been brilliant. The dedication levels couldn't be better from everyone. 

"A huge word of thanks to the players, their parents, the CWSSL committee and especially to the coaches, Carissa, John, Sabrina and Daniel.”

Gaynor Cup Squad: 

Chloe Hubbard , Zara Dunn, Tara Twomey , Jessie Walsh, Laura O Mullane, Stanton, Orla Kelleher, Michaela Moynihan, Aoife Madden, Fia Commerford, Lily Sexton, Lily Healy Kaycee Healy Brett, Mia Quille, Poppy Lynch,Millie Ryan, Amy Nash, Clara Nash Eva Barry, Molly Hawkins, Chloe Murray.