Outsiders Ballymacarbry are always a team for the big occasion

The Ballymacarbry Ladies Football Club is regarded by many as the most successful in the country.

42 Waterford County Senior Football Championship final wins in a row show how successful the club is.

A total of ten All-Ireland Club Football Championship successes, multiple Munster titles as well as many titles won at schools and underage level also show how successful the club has been since its formation.

And let’s not forget the huge number of players who have played inter county football at all levels for Waterford, not to mention a small number of players who have also lined out in the colours of Tipperary on the inter county scene.

Despite all this success, no Ballymacarbry ladies football team, having won a county championship, and which has gone on to win a provincial title has played in Croke Park. Until now.

In the past, when sides coached by Michael Ryan won the All-Ireland Club Championship, they did so lining out at venues in Birr, New Ross, Fraher Field in Dungarvan, Semple Stadium, Athy, Dr Cullen Park in Carlow and Tullamore.

However, they will finally grace Croke Park at 5pm on Saturday when they appear in the currentaccount.ie All-Ireland Senior Club Championship final.

Standing in their way of winning an eleventh All-Ireland title and a first at GAA headquarters are Galway champions Kilkerrin-Clonberne, who are seeking a third All-Ireland title in a row on Saturday evening.

The Galway team head into the final on the back of some great successes in recent years at county, provincial and national levels.

Within their set-up they have some outstanding footballers, who will need no introduction to many of the Ballymacarbry players who have played against them in different competitions in recent years.

Players like Lisa Murphy in goal, Nicola Ward at centre back, Louise Ward, who captains the side from centre forward; Siobhan Divilly and Hannah Noone in the middle of the field; as well as Olivia Divilly, Lynsey Noone, Niamh Divilly, Eva Noone and Chloe Meskill are all match winners and will pose problems.

Ballymacarbry too are a formidable side. Lauren Fitzpatrick is one of the best goalkeepers in the country. Louise Ryan and the McGrath sisters, Michelle and Karen, are very experienced defenders.

In the middle of the field KellyAnn Hogan is an outstanding player, while in attack players such as Bríd McMaugh, Aileen Wall, Claire Walsh and Sadhbh Hallinan will cause problems.

And while since she has not started since picking up an injury ahead of their county final win over Comeragh Rangers, Michelle Ryan is a hugely experienced player who is available for selection, having been introduced from the bench last time out in the semi-final against Clann Eireann and in the Munster Final win over Banner Ladies.

Michelle’s experience alone is a massive plus to any side.

This is a game that could go right to the wire.

The Galway side will start as favourites, with what they have achieved in recent years, but one thing should never be forgotten; you never write off Ballymacarbry in the big games.