“There’s a feeling this could be our year” – Rebels and Cats prepare to fight in the Camogie decider

It’s a double header for Cork, which also features in the semi-final against Galway as the senior decider opener.

Cork and Kilkenny were seas of red-white and black-amber this week as two of Ireland’s camogie superpowers awaited a titanic showdown.

Excitement for the big game has peaked amid a surge in interest in women’s sports.

Former Cork Camogie star Paula Goggins predicted a very close battle between two hugely talented sides – but she’s hoping Cork come out on top.

“There’s no feeling of being involved at Cork Camogie, winning at Croke Park and then being able to bring the trophy back to Rebel County. So good luck and come on girls,” she said.

Kathleen Martin, President of the Na Piarsaigh GAA Club, said everyone on Leeside was immensely proud of it
Cork Camogie teams – with particular pride from Na Piarsaigh in their player Amy Lee, the Senior Captain of Cork.

“I wish you all the best for Sunday,” she said. “Especially for Amy who is such a great ambassador
to our club. We are very
proud of her.”

Amy’s mum Angie said everyone in Cork would cheer for the Camogie stars. “I want to wish Amy and the girls the best of luck for the finals – we’re all cheering for you,” she said.

Cork tops the honors list with 28 Camogie titles, most recently in 2018 when the Rebels beat Kilkenny by a single point.

Kilkenny, who only won her first Camogie title in 1974, has 14 O’Duffy Cup victories and has featured in seven of the last nine
All Ireland Final.

The Cats won their last title of 2020 when they beat Galway by three points.

The Tribeswomen then rebounded to take the 2021 title with a three-point win over Cork.

Camogie and women’s football have provided a major boost for GAA fans in Cork during an unprecedented famine in terms of the success of All-Ireland men’s teams.

However, Kilkenny is now hoping to make up for the disappointment of losing the All Ireland hurling final to Limerick by bringing the Camogie title back to Noreside.

Cats manager Brian Dowling praised the “very special spirit” within the Kilkenny camp in a year marked by adversity, which has seen a number of panel members suffer from family bereavement and injuries.

Camogie players have also made no secret of the inspiration they’ve drawn from Brian Cody and his dedication to Kilkenny Hurling – with Kilkenny’s Camogie stars saying they want to win tomorrow in honor of the most successful hurling manager of all time.

Cody recently retired after 24 years at the helm of the county’s men’s hurling team.

Such was the support for the Kilkenny Camogie stars that a special ‘hurls and curls’ table quiz in aid of the seniors’ panel proved a resounding success, with 28 venues across the county taking part this week.

An open night of practice at Nowlan Park on July 26 was another success, with hundreds of youngsters arriving with jerseys and posters to be signed by their idols on the Camogie plaque.

“There’s a feeling in Kilkenny that this will be our year – rumor has it that the O’Duffy Cup will be draped in black and amber,” said Kilkenny supporter Mary Hennessy.

“So ‘Hon’ the Cats – bring the cup home.”