Gaultier are aiming to cap a remarkable season by claiming the Munster Senior Ladies Football Championship title when they face Cork champions Aghada this Sunday.
The Waterford champions make the trip to the Mallow GAA Complex for the provincial final, with throw-in at 3.30 pm.
Gaultier have enjoyed a memorable year, securing the Waterford senior title after defeating Ballymacarbry, one of the county’s most dominant forces in ladies football.
The club have only been competing at senior level for the past three seasons, but have already established themselves among the leading sides in Waterford.
Speaking to WLR Sport, coach and selector Shay Stevens says reaching this stage is a huge achievement for the players, particularly after overcoming both Comeragh Rangers and Ballymacarbry on their way to the county title.
Stevens says the club’s success across both ladies football and camogie has brought its own challenges, with a significant number of players involved in both codes.
However, he says the management teams have worked together on strength and conditioning and training schedules to help manage the players’ workloads.
Gaultier booked their place in Sunday’s final with a victory over Kilmurry in the Munster semi-final, despite coming under pressure after conceding two goals.
Stevens was pleased with the way his players responded, pointing to the strength and determination within the group.
Aghada arrive as Cork champions and will provide a significant test, having shown an impressive ability to find the net throughout their recent championship campaign.
Stevens says Gaultier have been strong defensively for much of the season and will need to reproduce that form if they are to challenge for the provincial crown.
While acknowledging that Aghada will start as favourites, he insists his players are looking forward to the opportunity to upset the odds.
He also believes the unity within the club has been central to its progress, with players, management and underage structures all contributing to the success.
The club’s achievements have extended across both codes this season, with Gaultier claiming senior honours in ladies football and camogie.
Stevens also paid tribute to the contribution of manager Paul Fitzgerald, who has been involved with the ladies football side since its foundation, as well as the younger players who have brought fresh energy into the group.
Gaultier will wear a special set of jerseys for Sunday’s final, sponsored by Paul Campbell of John Till Medical Practice, with the players getting to keep the jerseys after the game.
Stevens also acknowledged the continued support of the Marina Hotel and Arcas Insurance.
Gaultier face Aghada in the Munster Senior Ladies Football Final at the Mallow GAA Complex this Sunday, November 8th, with throw-in at 3.30 pm.
Sport on WLR is brought to you by Bon Secours Hospital Cork.
For the latest Waterford News and Sport, tune into WLR News on the hour and download the WLR App for news on demand.
