HAVING made her senior debut for Cork when she was 17 years-old, Jennifer O’Leary went on to become one of the game’s finest forwards before retiring after last season’s dramatic victory over Kilkenny.
Speaking to The Irish News ahead of tomorrow’s Liberty Insurance All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship final against a Galway side that has beaten them twice this year, the eight-time Allstar believes that her former side have peaked at the right time.
“I think tomorrow will be a really good game, I think going into it as almost underdogs will suit Cork. Galway have beaten them twice this year but I think Cork have been getting progressively stronger over the season to peak at the right time.
“The win over Kilkenny in the semi-final will definitely give them a boost but they will know that Galway will pose a different threat.
‘‘They were seen as the underdogs going into that game as Kilkenny had been so strong over the course of the championship but having no expectations on them suited Cork and they could relax and just play.
“I think that Cork have the experience to see them over the line but it is all about who shows up on the day,” O’Leary said.
O’Leary now plays her club camogie in Armagh for Middletown and she is full of praise for her new side who lost out the county final recently.
“The girls and the club have really welcomed me. Camogie is a way of life in Middletown and I am enjoying playing for the club. In terms of training, I have never seen a bunch of girls willing to sacrifice so much to win a Championship but unfortunately we were beaten in the county final by a point but I have no doubt we will be back stronger next year.”
As the all-time record-holder when it comes to camogie Allstars, having picked up her eighth last year after scoring the goal that turned the All-Ireland final Cork’s way, O’Leary is a role model for players throughout the country and she believes that having someone to look up to is good for game development.
“Growing up I wanted to be like Fiona O’Driscoll, she was a forward like myself, she was so quick and such a great player. Fiona is a legend down in Cork and a really nice person as well as a friend, you know she’s a PE teacher like myself and we would work together during the summer so I know how much hard work she puts into the game.
“She was also part of the management and we won a few All-Irelands under her.
‘‘Another player I would have looked up to would have been Sandie Fitzgibbon. She was a brilliant player for Cork as well and was involved in the management when we were growing up as well. She was an all-rounder, she also played basketball and could have turned her hand to any sport.
“There are so many more that I could name. Everyone needs someone to look up to and often the people that are the role models are humble people who never in their wildest dreams would think that they are idols for others,” added O’Leary.
Having played most of her career for Barryroe and Cork, O’Leary says the main difference between the provinces is the speed at which the game is played and the number of competitive games available to club sides.
“The main difference that I can see between camogie in the north compared to the south is the speed of the game. There are so many skilful players and players with wonderful striking in Ulster and they could certainly fit into any of the southern sides.
“In terms of a county level I think the same applies. In Cork we have about 60 teams so we are getting games on a regular basis against quality opposition and you know you have to move the ball fast in order to retain possession.
“If you have a couple of strong club sides that spurs the other club sides on and that bodes well for the county side because the manager has more players they can pick form and no one is certain of their place.
“In Ulster counties the managers might have a limited pool to pick from and players might know that they will play, you need competition for places to have a successful county side,” she added.
Camogie will take centre stage tomorrow with a triple-header in the Liberty Insurance All-Ireland Camogie Championship finals.
The premier junior final is up first at noon with Laois taking on Roscommon.
Having lost the past two finals Laois will seek to ease this heartache tomorrow. Sarah Ann Fitzgerald and Louise O’Mahony will be key players and Laois will hope that their experience can help guide them to victory.
Kelly Hopkins will be vital for Roscommon and the sharpshooter will need to have another big game if she is the to guide her side to victory.
The intermediate final (2pm) will see Kildare play Waterford.
Over the past four years, the Lilywhites have won the junior A, premier junior and made it to the intermediate All-Ireland final. Susie O’Carroll played a key role in her side reaching Croke Park and Kildare will once again look to her for leadership tomorrow.
Waterford claimed the Division Two league title earlier in the year. Beth Carton and seven-time Poc Fada champion Patricia Jackman will be key players for the Déise as they aim to take home the All-Ireland crown.
The finale of the day will see National League champions Galway take on reigning champions Cork at 4pm in the senior final.
The game will be tough to call, as the Tribeswomen have beaten the Rebels twice this season.
Cork will be aiming to emulate Dublin by claiming their 26th senior title, while Galway hope to take home their third title.
The key battle will most likely come in the middle third of the pitch with Gemma O’Connor and Niamh McGrath battling it out for possession.
Upfront Cork will look to Orla Cotter and Katr ina Mackey to pose the threat to Galway’s backline.
Emma Kilkelly suffered cruciate ligament damage in Galway’s semi-final win over Wexford, Orlaith McGrath (cruciate) and Ann Marie Starr (arm) will also miss the game through injury but with two wins already this year over tomorrow’s opponents they will be confident heading into the game.
