But nowhere is as beautiful as the green, green grass of home.
That’s Glengarriff in West Cork. The famous actress, Maureen O’Hara, lived there for years.
Last month, a plaque was unveiled at Maureen’s childhood home on Beechwood Avenue in Ranelagh.
Niamh moved to Dublin for study and work. She is in the legal profession.
Her arrival in the capital was a fortunate day for Kilmacud Crokes.
She was an champion runner and an accomplished basketball player. She is a Cork footballer.
She has settled so snugly into the Crokes half-forward line. Bringing fitness, pace, drive and craft.
She made a generous contribution as the Stillorgan club won the Go-Ahead Ladies Football Dublin Senior Championship.
The victory over St Sylvester’s in Parnell Park saw them enter the capital’s prestigious three-in-a-row club.
Joining fellow members, Portobello, Ballyboden St Enda’s and Foxrock Cabinteely.
In 2022, Crokes collected the Michael Murphy Cup for the first time with a win over Thomas Davis.
They overcame Na Fianna in the final last season. But this year’s final victory over St Sylvester’s was the hardest test of all.
Only a point in it at the end, 1-7 to 1-6. “To be honest, it was a game that could have gone either way,” reflected Niamh.
She states that the closeness of the contest underlines the growing quality of the Dublin Championship.
“The standards in Dublin keep rising. It’s so competitive now,” she says.
“We had a good win over Clontarf in the semi-final, but in reality, the scoreline flattered us. It was just one of those nights when everything clicked.
“In the Group, we had to grind out results against Ballyboden St Enda’s and Thomas Davis.
“It was a difficult run. There are so many good sides in Dublin. Syls proved that in the county final.
“They played so well. They didn’t allow us to impose our game-plan. They produced an excellent display.
“We knew what they were capable of. They have been putting in great performances all year.”
And, on the big night, under the lights of Broadway, Syls gave their best show of all.
“From our point of view, the most pleasing thing was the way in which we retained our composure in the last ten minutes,” relates Niamh.
“We were patient in possession. We used the ball well. We kept trying to work openings.”
They weren’t easily found. In a match that turned out to be one of the most intriguing county finals.
The Malahide side were erecting roadblocks all over Donnycarney. There was always a glove on hand to smother a Kilmacud pass or shot.
So compelling was the duel that it wouldn’t have been a surprise had it stretched to extra-time. And even to a 25-metre free-kick shoot-out.
The guile and class of Michelle Davoren eventually settled it with an elegant point.
Now the focus at Páirc de Búrca turns to Leinster. Crokes have been the Leinster champions for the last two years.
They’ll host the Offaly champions, Naomh Ciarán, on the weekend after next.
“We know we have to show much improvement from our display in the county final,” says Niamh.
“It’s about getting the heads down and putting in the work on the training ground.
“There are many areas for us to focus on, but, sometimes, a county final is about getting the win, even when you are not producing your best.”
Last season, Kilmacud met Kilkerrin-Clonberne in the All-Ireland semi-final at Parnell Park.
They pushed the Galway club to extra-time, losing by two points. The Connacht side went on to secure their third successive title.
“We were so close to them. They showed why they are the All-Ireland champions. They are a super outfit,” Niamh adds.
“We had a super run in the competition. It’s great that we are back to have another go now.
“But it’s all about our first outing in Leinster. We can’t afford to look beyond that.”
Completing the Dublin hat-trick added another significant scoop of cream.
“It’s a tremendous achievement,” declares Niamh. “Something to be very happy with, certainly. It’s a testament to the work that goes on behind the scenes. We have a great management team.
“It’s all about working hard for each other. There’s great humility in the group.”
