22 years after Leitrim debut, Charlene Tyrell ready for senior test

While she briefly contemplated the idea of retirement, Leitrim's Charlene Tyrell has admitted the prospect of playing in the All-Ireland senior football championship was one of many reasons why she decided to extend her inter-county career into 2025.

Having made her debut as far back as 2003, Tyrell was in the starting line-up when the O’Rourke County defeated Wexford to claim an All-Ireland intermediate title four years later.

After returning to the fold in 2020 following a near decade-long absence, Tyrell went on to feature at full-back at the age of 38 last August when the Connacht side secured another second-tier crown with a thrilling final win over Tyrone at Croke Park.

Leitrim did enjoy a couple of senior campaigns in the wake of their intermediate success of 2007, but circumstances dictated that Tyrell didn't play for them at the grade.

With Jonny Garrity’s side set to compete in both the Connacht and All-Ireland senior championships later this year, Tyrell will finally get an opportunity to sample life at the highest level of ladies football.

"There was a period after all the celebrations and everything had settled down, and I sort of enjoyed not having anything to do. I had considered 'God, will I go back?’, but once I got back to training, the desire is there and the love is there. Mainly to get out of Division 4, first and foremost, but really excited to play senior championship this year," Tyrell explained.

"It will be obviously one competition at a time, but really excited to be playing against some of the best teams in the country and see how we fare. I haven’t played senior championship with Leitrim, so it will be really exciting.

"We’re obviously not looking forward to games ahead in the senior championship as