The rain lashed down, the wind howled across Fraher Field, but nothing could dampen the joy on the faces of the Comeragh Rangers players on Friday night.
For the second year in a row, they are Waterford Ladies Senior Football champions — but more than the medals or the scoreline, it was the sense of togetherness that stood out in the celebrations.
“It’s a great feeling,” smiled Aoife Murray, moments after lifting the cup alongside her teammates. “There’s that bit of added pressure when you’re defending champions — everyone expects more from you. But once we crossed the white line, it was just about playing football and doing what we love. To come out on top again, it’s just amazing.”
Winning it with family made it even sweeter. “Ah sure, it’s the norm at this stage,” Aoife laughed, nodding to her sister Katie. “It’s always that little bit extra special when you’re playing with your nearest and dearest — and when they pop up with a goal or two, you’re quietly thanking them in your head.”
Katie Murray, who struck a crucial first-half goal, admitted the team had to dig deep in the tough conditions. “We had a shaky start,” she said. “But once we settled, everyone just trusted the process. The movement, the patience — considering the weather — was brilliant. That’s what we pride ourselves on.”
For Emma Murray, the team’s joint captain and Player of the Match, back-to-back titles didn’t happen by chance. “It’s quite hard to do it twice,” she said. “Sometimes after winning, a team might rest a bit, but this group is special. There are no egos, no main characters — it’s all about the team. Everything we talk about is for the team, and that really shows out there.”
Comeragh Rangers Manager Ger Power echoed that pride. “We’re so proud of them,” he said. “From one to thirty, every player gives everything. They’ve put in serious work since February — and they deserve this moment.”
He also praised the backroom staff and long-serving players like Geraldine Power and Nora Dunphy, who came off the bench late on. “Whether they’re starting or not, everyone buys into the same idea. That’s what makes this team what it is,” he said.
As celebrations began, thoughts turned to the next challenge — Munster. “We got to the final last year and came close,” said Emma. “We’ll enjoy this one, but we’ll regroup. We know what it takes now, and we’ll be hungry for more.”
