Emotions were very much in evidence when referee Stephen McNulty ended today's All-Ireland JFC semi-final at Ashbourne where New York recorded a 5-12 to 1-5 victory over Derry with Skryne woman Alisha Jordan playing a pivotal role in the success along with two girls from the Donaghmore / Ashbourne club, Aoife O'Rourke and Jen Moran.
It has been a long and traumatic road for Alisha Jordan who was brutally attacked in New York as she walked home from a night out two years ago.
Last November Alisha was the recipient of a Bravery Award at the Rehab People of the Year presentations that was accepted on her behalf by her parents Eilish and John.
However, there were more dark days ahead for the brave Skryne woman who had to return home three months ago when her father died suddenly
'It's absolutely surreal to be looking forward to an All-Ireland final in a few weeks, we've all worked so hard for this, we deserve our place in Croke Park,' she told the Meath Chronicle on Sunday only minutes after that final whistle.
There was plenty of support today for the New York team - which included the three Meath women, 11 native New Yorkers along with a sprinkling of players from Cavan, Westmeath, Mayo, Waterford, Dublin, Cork, Tyrone and Longford.
This is the centenary year of the New York Co Board and it would be great achievement to take an All-Ireland title across the Atlantic next month - don't bet against it.
NEW YORK PANEL
Nora Kilkenny, Aoife O'Rourke, Jen Moran, Caitriona Rafferty, Caitlin Hynes, Stephanie Tierney, Ciara Scully, Linda McKeon, Laura Lee McCullagh, Brianna Tierney, Margaret Brady, Maeve Redmond, Emma Clarke, Mary 'Molly' O'Rourke, Courtney Treanor, Niamh Walsh, Rosie O'Reilly, Alisha Jordan, Imelda Mullarkey, Shannon Spillane, Kelly Donohoe, kelly McCormick, Caitlin Slattery, Mary T O'Rourke.
