Clara’s first sporting passion wasn’t gaelic football but showjumping and the Omagh woman’s successes in that equestrian endeavour included winning the Supreme Championship in her age group at the prestigious Dublin Horse Show as a 12-year-old.
“I did showjumping from about the age of eight and I was really involved and doing a lot of pony shows all over Ireland and England.
“Football was just a little bit of my life back then. Something I liked to do with my friends but now it’s everything.”
Her switch to football began in earnest when she was 15 and “really just took off from there”.
“I just loved the whole community being involved in the club and it just kind of overtook the horse riding and football then seemed to come to me with doing my A Levels and going to university.
“Being up in Belfast, I was able to play football with the university and able to travel down for training. There’s a lot more time and commitment involved with the horses.”
As for this weekend’s contest, Daly is convinced that the Red Hands can atone for their league final defeat.
“Last time it didn’t work out. We were unfortunate but we now know what to expect. I really think we’ve a chance and I’ve high hopes.”
