Tyrone Ladies captain Aoibhinn McHugh- 'Laois will be our toughest opponents'

Tyrone captain Aoibhinn McHugh is hoping her side can go one step further this weekend as they prepare to take on Laois in Sunday’s All-Ireland Intermediate Ladies Football Final.

Tyrone are back in the final for the second successive year, having fallen short against Leitrim in the 2024 decider.

"When we lost the final last year, we knew it was tough to get there in the first place. We knew it would be a tough road back and that's how it's been. But we've learned a lot through them journeys and through extra-time," she said.

Their route to the final has certainly tested that resilience, with both their quarter-final win over Fermanagh and semi-final victory against Westmeath going to extra-time. They were also pushed to the limit in the Ulster Championship, losing by a single point to Down after another extra-time battle.

"We're probably more determined. A lot of those extra-times, we could have been beat. There's probably a different fight there from the girls. We’ve more girls willing to stand up and take the lead, which is brilliant," she said.

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Looking ahead to facing Laois, McHugh is under no illusions about the size of the task.

"They've had a strong campaign. We imagine Laois are going to be the toughest opponents we have this year. They obviously have the experience of winning an Intermediate final a couple of years ago. We're looking forward to it. We know it's going to be a challenge, but we're ready," McHugh said.

Last year’s final defeat still lingers in the memory, and McHugh says that pain has fuelled their journey back, not just for themselves, but for the supporters.

"Last year, it would have meant so much to have won it, but when you do have that hurt there, I just think this year it would be extra special. Especially for the fans and the families who have followed you through all the ups and downs. We want to do it for them and we want to bring it home for them," she said.

As for the key to winning an All-Ireland final, McHugh believes it comes down to bravery on the day.

"I think in finals, you need to go for it. It's whatever team is out there to be brave and it's not a time to shy away. You want to go out and play your football and leave with no regrets," she ended.

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