Dublin's Niamh Donlon keen to inspire the next generation

From growing up watching her idols to playing alongside them in a Dublin jersey, it has been quite the journey for Niamh Donlon.

The first woman from St Oliver Plunkett/Eoghan Ruadh to play for Dublin, the club was best known for producing Bernard and Alan Brogan, two of Dublin's greatest players.

The 21-year-old, who won her first All-Ireland title in 2023, is keen to be a role model for the next generation at her club and be the first of many in the blue of Dublin.

"It is good just to have someone representing the club. I know it is me, but if it was anyone else I would have been just as happy for someone from Plunkett's to be on the senior team.

"If you can't see it, you can't be it, and the younger girls really love seeing me down at the club. It is to inspire them and keep the club going as well.

"In their first All-Ireland in 2017 of the four-in-a-row, I was only under 13s with development squads. Seeing the likes of Goldie (Sinéad Goldrick) still playing and playing with them, it is kind of surreal.

"It is having those role models for younger kids to drive on and keep Dublin ladies football on the map."

A student at DCU, Donlon has quickly became an important part of Dublin's defence at a young age.

In this Dublin side is a mix of experienced players who were part of the four in-a-row, alongside the likes of Donlon who is continuing to grow, a mix which she thinks could be key in the weeks to come.

"The knowledge that they bring those older players is insane. They say a lot of the younger players bring a lot of enthusiasm, bring a lot of energy, we all go thriving for the same goals.

"That altogether gels it really nicely."

After a difficult league campaign, Dublin got back on track by winning the Leinster