Fermanagh's Blaithin Bogue Aims for Glory at Croke Park Before AFL Adventure Awaits

As Fermanagh prepares to face Louth in the All-Ireland Junior Ladies Final at Croke Park this Sunday, all eyes are on star player Blaithin Bogue. The Tempo native is not only aiming for a victory on the prestigious stage but also hopes to cement her legacy as a champion before embarking on her Australian Football Rules (AFL) journey. Bogue, a crucial part of the Fermanagh squad, has a rich history with the junior title, having played a significant role in their 2017 win against Derry. She scored a vital goal in that final, helping secure a memorable victory in Clones. However, she missed out on the team during their 2020 triumph over Wicklow at Parnell Park. This year presents a unique opportunity for Bogue and her teammates to claim a title at GAA’s hallowed grounds, Croke Park, something they have yet to achieve in their previous victories. Reflecting on the significance of the final, Bogue expressed her hopes for captain Shannon McQuaid to ascend the Hogan Stand steps as a champion. “We haven't won it in Croke Park but we're just hoping our captain Shannon McQuaid is going to walk up the steps of the Hogan Stand," she told BBC Sport NI, highlighting the aspirations of the team to make history. Bogue’s ambitions extend beyond Sunday’s match. Earlier this year, she signed a two-year contract with the North Melbourne Kangaroos, marking a significant step in her sporting career. The club’s management showed flexibility, allowing her to complete the inter-county season with Fermanagh before heading to Australia. This gesture speaks to Bogue's talent and the potential they see in her as she transitions to a new league. The upcoming final is not just a stepping stone for Bogue; it represents a culmination of hard work and dedication for the entire Fermanagh squad. With a strong performance, they aspire to not only bring home the title but also provide a fitting farewell to a player who is set to blaze a trail in the AFL. As the match approaches, anticipation builds among fans and players alike. Bogue and her teammates will undoubtedly feel the weight of history on their shoulders as they aim to achieve something that has eluded them thus far. A victory on the grand stage would not only be a personal triumph for Bogue but a landmark moment for Fermanagh women’s football. In a few short weeks, she may find herself juggling the demands of AFL while cherishing the memories of a championship reign, but for now, her focus is squarely on making her mark at Croke Park.