All-Ireland camogie final: Cork player-by-player guide
Teammate Of Cahalane Celebrates Right, Cork, Amy Pic: The O'connor On Orlaith Mark: With Harry Murphy/sportsfile
Calm and collected, she demonstrated her class making two incredible saves in the All-Ireland semi-final, one from a penalty. Having joined the panel in 2015, she brings lots of experience and will be a key component in trying to keep the Galway attack at bay.
She has grown in confidence with every game and is well tested against some of the best forwards. She is one of the younger members of the team that has come up through a successful underage structure and has slotted into Cork’s last line of defence.
In the absence of the injured Libby Coppinger and Méabh Cahalane, she is the new house minder and does her job to the level required. Similar to any full-back, and especially if she is one-on-one, will need good support. Can be adaptable to other positions too.
Fifteen seasons on from starting out with this Cork squad, she is one of the most competitive defenders in camogie. Took a break in 2022 but she was far from finished. Her return saw her win yet another medal alongside her twin sister Katrina. One of Manley’s big assets.
Of a rare breed, an inter-county dual player. She is versatile too. In camogie, she is as much at ease as an attacker and midfielder, as she is in defence. Whatever position she fills, she does it effectively. She is a multiple winner of various gongs in both codes.
Gave a brilliant insight on how she plays the sweeper role if opposing teams pull a player back - although it is anticipated that Galway will go the conventional route. Recovered from an injury that kept her sidelined during the group. As always, she has an important part to play.
The final piece of the half-back jigsaw, she moves up and down the field with considerable ease. Regularly chips in with a couple of scores. A tough defender who is enjoying a wonderful year. She remains injury-free and maintaining full fitness is a huge bonus.
A player who has ticked all the boxes when it comes to her camogie career, she is steadfastly loyal to the cause. Battled back from a cruciate injury in 2023 in time for the business end of the championship and duly added to her collection. Continues to give her all.
Another who plays both codes. She is a constant starter and as one of the younger brigade was earmarked to make the breakthrough from an early age. That she’s nailed down the midfield position with so many high-profile names in contention all around her, says it all.
Skippered MTU to Purcell Cup success last year before going on to leave her stamp on the All-Ireland final. Loves the open space and to run at defences, which is one of her strong points. Has moved from attack to defence and back to attack again.
Like her friend Saoirse who is also in her early 20s, she brings a strong running game. Lining out alongside her club mate brings familiarity and a feel-good factor. She is well able to take her own scores but also cognisant of bringing those near her into the action.
A match-winner on any day. Of a similar age bracket to numbers 10 and 11, Cork’s half-forward line is full of energy and vitality. Her underage success provided an accurate indication of what was to come. She has cemented a starting berth and has plenty to offer.
3-7 in last year’s final is only a small part of the winning captain’s story. A real thorn in opposing sides. Her combination of speed and skill makes her a nightmare to mark. A leader with a great eye for goal, something Galway manager Cathal Murray will be aware of.
A twin of Pamela’s, she has given unbroken service to the red and white since 2009, the year she collected the first of her All-Ireland medal haul. A work-horse, the bigger the challenge the better. A glittering career of 16 seasons, and still a lethal attacker.
The third member of the talented Cahalane family (unfortunately Gráinne is out through injury) and a corner-forward of high regard, her scoring returns speak volumes. Two green flags in the semi-final, she sets them up just as easily. Completes a prolific inside line.
Competition for places is so intense. Sorcha McCartan, Ciara O’Sullivan, Orlaith Mullins and Clodagh Finn are forwards who were brought on in the semi-final and each one made an impact. At the other, Niamh O’Callaghan hasn’t put a foot wrong. After missing a block of the championship through a hamstring injury, All-Star and All-Ireland winner Méabh Cahalane has returned to training and she will be eager to get back playing.
Because Cork have been on top in most of their championship matches, the tendency has been to gradually empty the bench in the second-half when there has been no real pressure. They may need them earlier tomorrow.
Ger Manley took over as manager from Matthew Twomey after last year’s All-Ireland victory. He’s been involved in Cork camogie for a number of years now in different backroom roles and knows this panel inside out. It is a case of so far so good, not alone are they unbeaten in the championship thus far but with big winning margins to boot.
A former inter-county hurler, he has plenty of experience on big days. Plenty of nous also among his backroom team. Head coach Liam Cronin is his right-hand man, the Limerick minor hurling coach returned to the Rebel setup last year and was instrumental in bringing the O’Duffy Cup back to Leeside for the first time since 2018. Legendary star Fiona O’Driscoll joined Manley and co this year as selector/coach. Dr. Wesley O’Brien fills a similar role, while Brendan O’Driscoll (Carrigaline) is the goalkeeping coach. Dave O’Connell looks after strength and conditioning.
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