Na Fianna can find a way to win but big test awaits

Getting to an All-Ireland final is one thing. Winning it is another. Na Fianna have done the first part successfully and now only Clanmaurice of Kerry stand between them and a first ever national title at this grade.

The 'only' part of the above sentence is meant as a facetious, deliberately whimsical aside because the experienced Kerry team are sure to be a daunting, forbidding obstacle to Na Fianna's ambition to complete their marvellous, unforgettable year with a national crown.

On their march to Sunday's showdown Clanmaurice claimed a second successive provincial title before pushing on to defeat Galway side Shamrocks 1-12 to 2-5 and book their place in the final.

Clanmaurice are a dominant force in Kerry camogie and represent the Kingdom in national competitions. The Clans-women have certainly suffered their share of pain in the post narrow losing a few finals as well as last year’s semi-final.

Clanmaurice, draw their players from a wide area that includes Lixnaw, Causeway, parts of Ballyduff, Kilmoyley. They didn't win the Kerry championship because there is none. They are like a county team and have talented, polished players such as Patrice Diggin, Ciara Moloney and Jackie Horgan who can make life very difficult for whatever opponents they face - and yet there's no reason for believing Na Fianna can't win on Sunday and complete the circle.

There is the considerable fact that Na Fianna have won all their championship games this year - and, as we know, winning can imbue a team with unshakeable confidence. Na Fianna's progress so far this year is based on a straightforward formula, that all successful teams depend on. They staunchly defend their own goals and convert chances at the other end. Simple. Effective.

Take the Leinster Club final against Laois side O'Moores in Carlow. Na Fianna had a storming first 30 minutes and went in at the break with with commanding seven-point lead, 1-8 to 0-4.

In the second-half O'Moores came roaring back, helped by a goal soon after the break. The Laois side pressed and pressed. Most teams, it's surely fair to assert, would have buckled, submerged and fatigued by the waves of attack that came their way.

Not this Na Fianna team. Not with players like full-back Claire Coffey, goalkeeper Niamh Kirby and centre-half-back Eimear Fagan. They make up a strong defensive spine. Proven, experienced. They are surrounded by other defenders all-too-willing to work and graft to ensure their team get across the line. Na Fianna held out and became Leinster champions.

It was much the same against Tyrone side Eglish in the All-Ireland semi-final in Louth GAA's Centre of Excellence in Darver the other week. Again Na Fianna, made a bright, enterprising start. Again, helped by a considerable breeze, they led 1-5 to 0-5 at the break. Sure enough Eglish fought hard to find the path to redemption in the second-half.

Once again the Na Fianna battlements proved to be strong and sturdy. Kirby had a marvellous game, assured in everything she did between the posts. Other defenders such as Gracie Grehan, Aisling Byrne, Sophia Payne and Leah Devine were relentless in their efforts to close down opponents. Once again Na Fianna held out.

One feature of their performances ( and indeed the performance of any successful team) is for attackers to help out with defensive duties and backs and midfielders to become, in an instant, attackers. Na Fianna transition very effectively.

They also are blessed with some tremendous forwards who know where the opposition posts are.

Kerrie Cole is one of the most talented camogie players around. She can ransack opposition defences with her surging runs and clinical finishes. Emma Regan is another player who is always alert to the possibilities. The Eglish backs certainly won't want to see either of them again. Maire Kirby is another adept at turning chances into scores.

The other Na Fianna midfielders and attackers will ensure Clanmaurice won't be able to rest easy at any stage on Sunday.

The Kerry side, are of course pretty resilient themselves; a trait they showed in the way they looked destined to lose the Munster final to Shannon Rovers. They trailed by a point with time almost up but a cooly converted, last-gasp point by Diggins forced extra-time. It was then Clanmaurice pushed on to win, 1-13 to 2-6.

That's what good sides do. They find a way. Each time this year Na Fianna have found a way to win. They can do so again.