ULSTER JCC: Youth and experience spurring each other on for Ballerin

Bridie McMenamin Shield quarter final

Ballerin v Markievicz (Donegal)

Sat Nov 26 @ 1.00pm

Killygordon

Ballerin will enter the quarter final stage of the Bridie McMenamin Shield this weekend as they take on Donegal champions Markievicz in Killygordon.

As well as picking up the camogie title, Sarsfield's also tasted junior success with the big ball, and their ladies footballers have very recent experience of an Ulster clash.

Narrowly defeated on that occasion, Ballerin will be hoping to progress this weekend where they bring a youthful side into provincial action.

That large influx of youth makes the older players even more valuable and defender Ursula Mullan said competing as an experienced player is a different prospect.

“I sort of thought I was finished after having my fourth boy pre-Covid, but I got myself gathered up and went back out again, and I'm glad I did,” she told the County Derry Post.

“When you were younger, you had a bit more time for it and it's been a different commitment now trying to get out and get the children sorted.

“We have come up through the ranks of different levels of clubs and counties and there's a certain appreciation playing at our stage with busy homes and family lives.

Defender Ursula Mullan.

“I think we try and bring a determination and focus to training, which filters into matches. You have an element of confidence because you know the game, and such respect for the youth coming through.

“There is a really healthy blend of experience supporting these young ones coming through; they are such a talented group of girls.”

Among that talented group is young captain Mikeela Mullan. The 21-year-old – incredibly - is one of the oldest dual players in the squad.

“There are a lot of dual players that play football as well; the younger ones mostly. I probably would be the oldest who plays both, but the fitness aspect is class,” she said.

“Things was tough at the start in the league, we had so many injuries coming through, but so far so good in the championship.

“That run in the Ulster football helps the confidence of the younger ones as well, and there is a feeling of putting things right.”

While the experienced players hailed the influence of the younger squad members, that respect works both ways.

The Ballerin team who defeated Drumsurn in the county final. Pic: Mark Doherty.

“They would look up to the older ones; there is Sinead Cassidy, Caitríona and Ursula there as well. Sinead and Caitríona used to play for Derry,” said Mikeela.

“The skill at training that they bring to the younger ones is just phenomenal. We can definitely win it; that's what we train and work for.”

Markievicz is not a household name to most casual camogie supporters, but it is to Ballerin.

No traffic calming measures outside Co Derry primary schools

One of the schools was previously told they 'did not meet the criteria'.

“They have played in our league,” said Ursula Mullan.

“I treat every match the same; you can never take anything for granted. For me, it's about going out and playing good camogie.

“I wouldn't be under any illusions that we're not going out for a good, solid and strong game. We've played them before and I anticipate a good strong battle, where we hopefully come out victorious.”