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Kerry legend Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh opens up in revealing video interview

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Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh has opened up on her life and career in an exclusive video interview with Killarney Advertiser sports editor Adam Moynihan.

Speaking to Adam on a special episode of The Kerry Football Podcast in partnership with GMIB.ie, the All-Star forward talked about her childhood in West Kerry, her ‘grá’ for the Irish language, struggling with defeat, and finally winning an All-Ireland in her 17th season.

She also revealed the hurt and frustration she and her teammates felt at being treated poorly in the early part of her career, saying she hopes things are “easier” for the next generation of female Gaelic footballers. To that end, she believes the proposed merger of the GAA, LGFA and Camogie Association is of critical importance.

“I’d be hoping that they would try and bring everything under the one umbrella in 2027 like they had promised us,” Ní Mhuircheartaigh said.

“I’m hopeful for the next generation that it will be equal and things will be much easier for them than what we had to deal with when we were growing up.”

When asked if it hurt to be treated differently to male players, the 33-year-old veteran said, “it did, of course”.

“We see ourselves as the same as the men. We put in the same amount of training and effort and put our lives on hold probably even more. If women want to have kids and do that part of their lives, they have to stall it if they’re playing football. It was frustrating to see the men get this, that and the other, and we’d be fighting to get small things like meals.

“Compared to now it wasn’t great. I remember we were training outside the Fitzgerald Stadium on the grass patch. We would never get into the main pitch, anyway.

“Thankfully things have improved since. Both county boards are working well together. It’s looking really good for the future.

“I’d be hoping that [my younger teammates] will be equal with the men. That’s something that we have been fighting for with years, and that’s part of our job as older players to look after the next generation. The majority of our senior team are very, very young and they have long careers ahead of them, so I would be really hoping that they will be equal to the men in a few very short years.”

Louise also expressed her gratitude to joint managers Darragh Long and Declan Quill who have confirmed that they will not be staying on for a sixth year at the helm.

“They had a massive hill to climb with us, especially the older players. We had hit rock bottom by the time they came in. We’re very, very grateful for what they’ve done for us as a group. We owe them everything.”

At the beginning of the video, which was filmed by Dylan Clifford, the reigning Players’ Player of the Year goes through her kicking routine with Adam and shares advice on how to practice free-taking.

Watch the interview on YouTube

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Clifford brothers to test their game against golf’s elite

Kerry footballers Paudie and David Clifford will take on some of the biggest names in golf when they line out in the Celebrity Pro-Am at the Amgen Irish Open. The […]

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Kerry footballers Paudie and David Clifford will take on some of the biggest names in golf when they line out in the Celebrity Pro-Am at the Amgen Irish Open.

The Fossa brothers will join stars including Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry, Pádraig Harrington, Séamus Power, and Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald at The K Club next month.
The Pro-Am takes place on Wednesday, September 3, ahead of the main tournament from September 4–7.
Also confirmed for the Pro-Am are Tipperary hurling captain Ronan Maher, rugby star Josh van der Flier and former rugby internationals Johnny Sexton and Tommy Bowe.

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Athletic’s Luke Doolan Signs for Kerry FC

Killarney teenager Luke Doolan has signed for Kerry FC, making the move from local side Killarney Athletic. The 17-year-old forward was a standout performer in the Kerry District League last […]

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Killarney teenager Luke Doolan has signed for Kerry FC, making the move from local side Killarney Athletic.

The 17-year-old forward was a standout performer in the Kerry District League last season and caught the eye with five goals in the Munster Youths Cup.
He also featured for Athletic’s senior team and earned a call-up to the Republic of Ireland Under-18 squad, where he impressed in international friendlies.
Doolan will now train with the Kerry FC first team and play with the club’s Under 20 Academy side. His signing is another boost for the club’s commitment to developing local talent.
Speaking after the move, Luke said: “I’m delighted to have this chance with Kerry FC and I’m looking forward to working with the team. I’m grateful to Colin Healy for the opportunity and I’m excited to play in front of the Kerry supporters.”
First-team manager Colin Healy added: “Luke has trained with us for the last number of weeks and has really impressed. He’s shown a great attitude and hunger to learn. He’s a talented young player and this is the next step for him.”
Kerry FC CEO Billy Dennehy said: “Luke’s journey is similar to many young players who previously had no League of Ireland pathway in Kerry. His progress is a credit to Killarney Athletic and his coaches. We look forward to helping him develop further at the club.”

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