For those who still scorn at the idea of ladies football, you should perhaps take time to consider the time and effort displayed by our Sports Personality of the Month for October. Shauna Woods is the Captain of Lisnaskea Ladies senior team, and while still only 24 she has been playing senior football for over a decade. A regular on the county team for the past number of years, she also found time to line out for her university this year. And if this particular cake of commitment needs some icing, then bear in mind that in 2006 Shauna first pulled on her boots in January and only played her last match in the middle of November, a full ten-and-a-half months later.
Shauna is a modest, young lady and it is clear to see why she is such a successful captain. Accepting the award, she was gracious and thankful but made it quite clear that she felt she was undeserving of the award,
"I'm not collecting this for me on a personal level. I am collecting it on behalf of the team, I would say that the only reason I was picked was because I was the team captain. But I am honoured to accept this on behalf of the team and the club."
Before this year, Shauna's trophy cabinet was pretty bare. Having lost a number of finals to arch rivals Newtownbutler, many within the Lisnaskea club doubted if the breakthrough could ever be made. That doubt was unfounded; this year was to be their year, a first championship trophy was delivered, the holy grail so to speak.
"It was great to win the championship, especially as it was against Newtown. They had beaten us so often in the past, it was nice to get one up on them," Shauna explained.
The success achieved by Lisnaskea this year would not have been achieved, according to Shauna, without the drive of team trainers, Kevin O'Rourke and Aaron Maguire, who 'helped motivate us all year'.
Shauna gets lots of support from her family. John and Bridge, her parents, are especially supportive even if her dad sometimes cheers for the opposition!
"My dad is from Newtown, he played for them as well. He always says he supports Newtownbutler when we play them but I think he says that just to wind me up," Shauna laughs.
But on a more serious note, Shauna explains that it is the support she receives from her parents and brothers and sisters that helps drive her on.
"All my brothers played football and even though my dad would be quiet I know that he is proud as well."
With their first Fermanagh title secured, Lisnaskea made their first journey into the difficult waters of the Ulster Club, and what a journey it was, going all the way to collect the Ulster Intermediate title against the mighty Crossmaglen Rangers.
"It was amazing winning Ulster. At the start of the year, we were only focused on the Fermanagh Championship. But once we won that we decided we would give Ulster our best shot. To be the captain of the first Lisnaskea team to win an Ulster title was a great feeling."
In the semi-final of the All-Ireland, the girls ran into a Dublin amalgamation that just had more firepower on the day;
"I was amazed at the standard. I honestly don't think that the Fermanagh county team would have beaten them," Shauna explains.
Next year, Lisnaskea will be making the step up to senior level. Facing the likes of Errigal Ciaran of Tyrone. Unfortunately, being the only Fermanagh side at senior level leaves them at a disadvantage.
"I hope we can give senior level a really good go. It is going to be difficult but all we can do is our best. The more games we play at senior level the better we will get."
With Shauna's ball-winning ability around the middle of the field, I am sure that Lisnaskea will more than hold their own.
