Tipp's Kennedy urges players to 'take a breath'

It has been a hectic 2023 thus far for Anna Rose Kennedy, but with things moving at a nice pace on and off the field of play, the Tipperary footballer is more than happy for it to be that way.

In addition to starting five of the Premier County's six games to date in Division 2 of the Lidl National League, the industrious Kennedy captained DCU Dóchas Éireann to an O’Connor Cup title a fortnight ago.

A student teacher in the Dublin-based third level institution, Kennedy is currently on a placement at Ardgillan Community College in Balbriggan. Studying the subjects of PE and biology, she is hoping to move into a full-time position when she graduates from DCU later on this year.

"I have probably never been as busy in the last four years as I am right now," she explains.

"Between the league and the O’Connor Cup taking place at the same time, it was quite challenging on the body and the mind, to be juggling between the two teams and all the training that was involved with that."

"Obviously then on placement as well, it takes a lot of free time from your hands, which obviously has an impact then on your recovery and your nutrition. Overall, I seem to be managing it quite well. It’s going well."

As if that wasn’t enough, Kennedy was also in Croke Park on Tuesday to help launch the LGFA’s 'Take A Second’ campaign - an initiative aimed at encouraging and celebrating a culture of positivity and mutual respect among all members of the association.

"It’s really important to raise awareness around this topic. Especially as players ourselves on the field, that sometimes things mightn’t be going your way or you might disagree with certain decisions, but it’s really important just to step back," Kennedy said of the campaign.

"Take a breath and a