Anticipation will be building in households across the county ahead of this weekend’s All Ireland Junior final but for the Murphy family in Mackan it will be an extra special occasion as sisters Courteney (23) and Erin (19) prepare to represent Fermanagh.

Football has been part of the Murphys life for as long as they can remember. “Family occasions were often interrupted by football matches whether it was someone’s Communion Day or a family wedding,” added Erin.

Courteney was quick to say that it was in fact her Communion Day. “Even on my Communion Day I was at a Kinawley game in my white dress. Then I would have started playing at U8s all the way up to senior.”

It was their father, Cathal’s influence that pushed the girls towards football, Courteney said.

“Daddy would definitely have to take credit for that. He’s very passionate about football and I think that’s infectious and that’s why the whole family is involved now.”

Football is certainly a family affair in the Murphy house with Erin agreeing that her father was a huge influence but further adding,

“ll my siblings play football so it’s hard to get away from them! But it is nice to have Courteney there knowing I can rely on her and have her support if something hasn’t went well or needing a morale boost,” she said.

The excitement of playing in an All-Ireland final is being felt across the Fermanagh ladies team explains Courteney.

“It’s very exciting. Croke Park is the best pitch in Ireland so to get the opportunity to play an All-Ireland final there is what every player wants. There’s great excitement now around the team.

Erin added:“There’s also a lot of support and buzz coming from outside the team in regard to our clubs and communities, it’s an exciting time for everyone.”

And Courteney feels that a win on Sunday would be a big boost for Ladies football in the county.

“I think for this senior team winning the junior championship will be a great step in the right direction for the progression of football in the next few years.”

She added that we need to “encourage greater participation and keep young girls in the sport.”

The girls both echoed the sentiment that it is important for crowds to get behind them on Sunday as they play Louth.

“Support is so important even more so in a huge stadium such as Croke park. The ticket prices are a third of the price of the men’s game so it’s a great day out. A big crowd behind you makes a big difference in big games,” said Erin.

However, the girls won’t be the only set of sisters from Kinawley on the panel with Lisa and Danielle Maguire long time servants of Fermanagh. While Joanne Doonan , a cousin of Courteney and Erin, and also from Kinawley will captain the team.”