Eight years on and Ailbhe Davoren still enjoying Galway tenure

She is midway through her eighth season on the senior inter-county scene and while her status within the squad has changed since she first broke into the set-up, Ailbhe Davoren is still enjoying every second of her time as a Galway footballer.

Having previously donned the maroon and white in the underage ranks of the LGFA — she was on a Galway side that lost out to Cork in an All-Ireland minor championship final in 2015 — Davoren scored two goals on her debut for the Tribeswomen in a Connacht Winter League semi-final against Mayo in January 2017. She went on to make a further 11 appearances that year, including an outing as a substitute when Galway once again defeated Mayo in the Connacht decider.

She started at centre-forward when Daniel Moynihan's side got the better of their nearest rivals in a provincial showdown that was held at St Brigid’s GAA in Kiltoom last month — a late goal from Andrea Trill putting the seal on a 1-11 to 0-9 victory. After taking over the role at the start of the year, this also presented Davoren with a first opportunity to lift some silverware as Galway captain.

"It’s my eighth season now and I love it. Just thoroughly enjoy it. Each year brings something different in terms of different players, management, different challenges. We wouldn’t be doing it if we didn’t enjoy it. It can be great craic if you’re involved in a team," Davoren said.

"You do spend an awful lot of time with the team and the players, and ladies football teams are renowned for being able to have the craic then as well. It’s not all serious or hard work. We do love it as well."

Being able to enjoy rather than endure the life of an inter-county footballer is particularly important for Davoren, who faces a considerable commute to