Joint Fermanagh ladies captain, Marita McDonald was gracious in defeat after Sunday’s game against Down but firmly believes they’re going to have to demonstrate the ability to perform for a full 60 minutes if they’re going to have a say in the All-Ireland championship this year.

“It’s very disappointing not to retain the title but there is always more pressure on the team that has the title. But, fair play to Down, they’re a very, very good side and very strong. On the day, they were the better team and got more scores.” There was nothing between the sides at half-time and McDonald says they are a team who have more to give: “Even at half-time, we were saying in the changing room how we hadn’t really got going. I think there is a lot more in us. Whether or not we can work on that in training and actually get the performance on the big days is another thing. It’s something we definitely need to work on. I don’t think you’ve seen the best of Fermanagh,” she alludes.

The number 7 points to the long delay as one factor in their defeat last Sunday: “To be honest the ambulance break didn’t do much for us. Down seemed to push on stronger and just kept chipping away at the points.” However, she says there are positives, even in defeat: “There are always positives! We didn’t concede any goals and we worked the ball well. In terms of getting the ball to hand, that’s something we need to work on.” Many of this Fermanagh team know the pain of losing and McDonald says last year’s All-Ireland semi-final defeat knocked them for six: “To say last year was a disappointment is probably an understatement. I mean, we went down to Semple Stadium and we could see with 30 seconds to go we were making it to Croke Park. It didn’t happen and we didn’t have that the rub of the green. It hit a lot of girls hard and we don’t mention it very much but we know come the All-Ireland, you’ve got to perform, there are no second chances.” Cavan’s All-Ireland victory last year is now Fermanagh’s motivation.

“That’s something that will drive us on. To be honest, I’d reckon there could be another meeting between Down and Fermanagh. I just hope it’s in our favour the next time we meet them,” concludes the Teemore woman.