Giltenane pays emotional tribute to current and former teammates

Playing for over 15 years with Limerick’s Ladies Football team, Olivia Giltenane has seen it all during her career.

She was a member of the team that lost an All-Ireland in 2009 but tasted All-Ireland glory the following year. She was a key cog in the wheel that geared the team to another final in 2018 and was happy to play a leadership role with this year’s young panel.

“At this stage of my life in know how hard it is to get here. With the young panel that’s there, I knew that we had to be leaders on the team. I remember what happened us in 2009 and I didn’t want that to affect the girls this year.

“The girls are a credit to themselves. We worked very hard all year and it showed out on the pitch. It’s just unbelievable and emotional to see all of our families, neighbours and friends up in Croke Park for us is just incredible.”

The Mungret St Pauls player also had a word for members of previous panel’s that she soldiered with throughout the years. “Even the girls that weren’t with us today that were with us last year and the year before. It’s just women’s sport. Girls getting pregnant and having babies. You feel sorry for them that they are not inside in the dressing room with us. This is for them as well. We are all the best of friends and are always there to support each other.”

Giltenane may have had the number 13 jersey on her back during the game but was deployed in a defensive role throughout the final win over Louth. More noted as a defender, she was just happy to fill in where needed.

“My job would be to read the game and know where everybody should be. The girls are brilliant and the game plan worked a treat.”

Limerick were relegated to Division Four of the league last year but despite the arrival of a new management and a host of new players, Giltenane didn’t think twice about making a return for the 2018 season.

“Football is my life. I don’t know any different” explained a visibly emotional Giltenane. “Once November, December and January come, I know that it’s football, football, football. I would be training away by myself in the Woodlands (House Hotel) and it’s paid off. The determination, the will and want to win. It was very difficult last year losing matches but this it what it’s all about. Out there celebrating with all our family and friends and the girls on the team.”