Gráinne McLaughlin’s eight-point haul capped a remarkable performance from the Glenavy attacker in Saturday’s All-Ireland Ladies Junior Football Championship final replay win over Fermanagh.
Yet things could have been very different for the Glenavy ace as manager Emma Kelly revealed she was close to being replaced at half-time.
The Saffrons were five ahead at the break thanks to a goal from midfielder Lara Dahunsi and a penalty from captain Cathy Carey.
Read more: All-Ireland final loss inspired Antrim to go one better this year says Emma Kelly
McLaughlin had a free and a point from play to her credit, but Kelly knew she was capable of much more.
“I threatened to take Grainne McLaughlin off at half-time and said I was giving her two minutes (to improve ) and it was the kick up the arse she needed as she started to play,” stated Kelly after the game.
The half-time pep talk worked the oracle and McLaughlin was the best player on the pitch in the second half, hitting a further four points from play and converting two frees.
Reflecting on the half-time team-talk, McLaughlin remarked: “Yeah, it was mentioned that I was on a few ticks. I said, ‘I’ll promise to keep my hands up and not get involved in anything’ and I didn’t get any more ticks and managed to stay on the field.
“I was happy about that and I was able to get a few more scores and help the team over the line.
“Personal performances are good, but obviously it is all about the team. There were probably a few shots I shouldn’t have taken and given off.
"At the end of the day, we still got over the line and won by a good bit so I’ll not worry too much about that.”
McLaughlin equalled her tally from last year’s All-Ireland Ladies JFC final, when she score 1-5 in Croke Park, but the outcome was very different for the Saffrons as they were comprehensively beaten by Wicklow.
That defeat and the fact that they needed a late free from Orlaith Prenter to salvage a replay against Fermanagh in the drawn final a fortnight ago gave Antrim a renewed determination to get the job done at the Athletic Grounds.
While McLaughlin ended with 0-8, Cathy Carey was the TG4 selection for Player of the Game after scoring 2-1.
Caitlin Taggart also chipped in with three classy points from play while midfielders Dahunsi and Áine Tubridy and defenders Saoirse Tennyson and Niamh McIntosh also impressed.
“Yeah, it was amazing. I think last year we didn’t really show up in the final. A fortnight ago, maybe we didn’t perform at our best,” said McLaughlin.
“This week it was just totally different. Everything just clicked for us, there was more hunger there and I think we had a point to prove. . .yeah it is amazing.
“I think the spread of scorers was immense from us. We can rely on every single one of those forwards, both midfielders and our half-backs, if they are up that far. It is great to have that and you’re not relying on a couple of players.
“If someone was having an off day, it wouldn’t matter as much because there are other options there.”
Meanwhile, the Antrim LGFA have arranged a homecoming for the newly-crowned All-Ireland champions on Wednesday, August 17 at 7pm at Con Magee's GAC, Glenravel (BT436RA).
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