What a difference a year makes for Shauneen!

Ulster JFC Final

Lavey vs. Dungloe

Healy Park

Sunday, 12:30pm

IT is never too late to join - well that is very evident when you chat to Shauneen Rafferty (nee McCann).

A year ago the 35-year-old never in her wildest dreams thought she would be getting ready for an Ulster final. She hadn’t even played for football for Lavey this time last year apart from a few months back 20 years ago. Another amazing story from the Lavey camp and one that shows what can be achieved, no matter what stage of life you may be at.

“This time last year, I was watching the girls not long after having a baby, winning the junior title and I thought God I would love a bit of that - maybe a bit of jealousy looking on,” she admitted.

“Around November time I got a text message from Mary Jo to see if I would be interested in playing a bit of seconds football because they were thinking two teams with the number of girls - I thought yea no bother and now we are in an Ulster final.

“I played a bit of soccer about 20 years ago and around the same time Lavey dabbled in ladies football but it never came to anything. I thought about playing but couldn’t go and play for another club. I have played camogie throughout.”

That second team never materialised but Rafferty, with that competitive edge, always aims high and she pushed hard and is very much part of the team one year on and in the thick of the action. 

“My plan was a bit of reserve football - we had a meeting I think it was in December and we said we want to win the Intermediate title and the nature of me and a competitive edge playing camogie, I trained and trained. I might be over competitive at training but the way I look at it you train the way you play.”

The journey has been a good one and special memories that she will be able to look back on and show her 15 month-old son down the years.

“It is very very special for me now - I am at a very different stage of my career than a lot of the other girls. I suppose I am constantly thinking is this going to be my last game, so to win the Intermediate title and now to be in an Ulster final is amazing - even more special having my wee boy and getting a photo with my husband, him and myself with the trophy is very special after that county final.

“The next thing I am looking at is him winning trophies and that is one thing I can show him Mummy did it as well but looking forward it will be me going to his matches and hopefully he will be successful too.”

She has nothing but admiration for her fellow players.

“Those girls are probably one of the best bunch I have ever trained with - their dedication, commitment, will to learn is brilliant and it shows with what they have done in such a short space of time.”

As for Mary Jo Boyle who sent that all important text 12 months ago that started this amazing journey.

“She [Mary Jo] is immense, when she speaks you listen. She is just a fountain of knowledge and it would be silly of us not to make use of that knowledge. Any club, any team would be glad to have her on board. She is one a of a kind and we know what this all means to her and when you see that passion it can only spread through the team.”

Sunday is something Rafferty never thought would happen and and having not kicked a ball to this time last year it makes even the more unbelievable.

“I never thought I would ever play in an Ulster final or even kick a football for Lavey.”