Following a comprehensive 13 point win over Cork on Monday afternoon, Kerry managers Darragh Long and Declan Quill paid tribute to Kerry LGFA star goalkeeper Mary Ellen Bolger, who courageously played their match against Cork after her mother Annette's untimely passing last Saturday. Winning on a score line of 2-14 to 0-7, it was an afternoon of pride for the Kerry squad, continuing their campaign and winning all three matches they have played in the league so far.
Kerry's joint manager Darragh Long commented on Bolger's strength during Monday's game:
"Today was a bit more than football and a bit more than sport, it was about our group coming together for Mary Ellen and her family and honouring the memory of her mother, and to say that myself and Declan are immensely proud of that group is an understatement.
For Mary Ellen to nail an absolute beauty of a kick-out and for it to work down and to lead to a goal was brilliant. I'm delighted for that young lady."
Mary Ellen Bolger praised by teammate
Player of the Match Amy Harrington paid tribute to Bolger following the match while speaking to TG4 afterwards:
"Mary Ellen did absolutely fantastic today, it's a testament to her and her strength. It was just absolutely unbelievable, she came out and she played so well. We all came together and really put in the good performance for her and her family."
#KERvCOR
Scór Lán Ama@kerryladiesfoot 2-14 @CorkLGFA 0-07
'It's a testament to her and her strength.' Laoch na hImeartha Amy Harrington pays tribute to goalkeeper Mary Ellen Bolger.
Comhghairdeas le Amy Harrington inniu!🙌#SeriousSupport pic.twitter.com/Qqnd7FOkZU— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) February 5, 2024
Hailing from Portmagee, Mary Ellen Bolger currently studies at UL and also plays with the UL Wolves Ladies team. Her GAA team at UL shared their condolences for Mary Ellen on their social media feed over the weekend.
All at UL Wolves GAA Club would like to express our sincere condolences to Senior Ladies Goalkeeper, Mary Ellen Bolger and her family on the untimely passing of their mother Annette.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis. pic.twitter.com/HmgGEpzntl— UL Wolves GAA Club (@ul_gaa) February 3, 2024
The Kerry ladies will now continue their Lidl Ladies National League campaign against Mayo on Saturday, February 17th at 2:30pm. Bolger has started in goals in each of Kerry's three wins in the Lidl Ladies National League. The Kerry ladies now hold 9 points on the table, the maximum amount for their games played in the league so far, and are top Division 1.
