Irwin banking on defensive solidity to get the job done against Clare

Looking ahead to this Saturday’s intriguing league final, the form lines certainly suggest that it will be a hotly-contested affair.

Despite Roscommon finishing three points ahead of their Munster rivals, Clare lost their final round game to Down in what was a dead rubber as Wayne Freeman’s charges shuffled his side around.

When these sides met in the group stages, Roscommon managed to propel themselves 1-6 to 0-2 in front at the break. However, Ollie Lennon’s side were reeled in as they kicked just one second-half point — a free from Laura Fleming. In the end, it took a 64th minute point from Clare sharpshooter Fidelma Marrinan to procure a share the spoils.

Roscommon defender and vice-captain, Ellen Irwin, believes that Wayne Freeman’s charges constitute tricky opposition. However, she feels that her side have taken learnings from their encounter back in February.

“Clare are probably one of the most difficult opposition we have come up against. We probably expected that as they are different to a lot of the teams we have played. They are fast, quick and they don’t hesitate to move the ball. A few of their forwards up front, like Fidelma Marrinan, are outrageous.

“They have very skilful players who need to be watched. But, from playing them, we got a good look at what they are about. We’ve taken the lessons away and we’re working on those for the next day.

“We were missing a few that day. We were without Lisa O’Rourke and (Niamh) Feeney was sick, so we still have a few cards that we can pull out on the final day. We know it will be tough but we wouldn’t be afraid of them,” assured the St. Faithleach’s player.

Roscommon boasted the fourth best defensive record across the divisions during the round robin series of games.

Irwin believes her side’s pragmatic approach has served them well but warns they will need to be razor-sharp against a Clare outfit that have enjoyed the best scoring return out of any team plying their trade in the top three divisions.

“I feel that we have been building on our defence over the last couple of years. In ladies’ football, you kind of have to be defensive. Goals win games basically at the end of the day. We have an experienced defence. Even a few girls coming back — the likes of Aisling MacAuliffe — she is another very strong player. We play a sweeper to keep the defence tight. (Niamh) Feeney was playing sweeper before she got hurt and I think that is key in ladies’ football.

“It is all about crowding out — you can give away a foul as easy as anything. But we are happy with how we are defending and how we are not conceding goals. We were a bit disappointed against Offaly that we gave away a few goal chances and it is definitely something that we will look at when preparing for Clare because, against a team like that, you can’t be doing that. So overall, I’d be happy with the defence but there’s still plenty to work on,” she concluded.