It is now official that Kilkenny will have an adult Ladies Gaelic Football team compete in the 2023 Lidl National Football League. The decision was reached after it was agreed by the county board mid-November that the timing was now right to reform the junior county squad. An experienced management team have been put in place in the form of John Gorey, Eoin Hennessy, Nickey Purcell and specialist coach Tom Cousins. A Female Liaison Officer is currently being appointed. They are confident that with the full support of the clubs and players that this team could do great things once again. Gorey elaborates, ‘We know the quality of players needed for a good county adult team are present here in Kilkenny…in fact if this team is supported by all…then the ingredients are there for not just a good team but a great one.’ Kelley Comerford, co-captain of the Muckalee team who recently reached the Leinster Junior Club Final, had no hesitation when asked to join the squad. Kelley says, ‘It’s great news for ladies football in Kilkenny and I am eager to get training with the squad and have the opportunity to represent Kilkenny in the National League.’ Kelley will make her first appearance as an adult county player tomorrow as she co-commentates the livestream of the club All-Ireland semi-final between Mullinahone and Derrygonelly. Training for the squad commences this week and one can’t help but hope that this signifies the resurgence of an adult ladies squad in Kilkenny that will endure for years to come. One thing is clear, backing from clubs, players and the county as a whole is key to the teams success and if fully supported these coming years could be the building blocks to a Kilkenny Ladies Gaelic Football team once again winning an All-Ireland Title.
Pictured above the last Kilkenny Adult County Team from 2019
