Galway's Aoife Donohue pictured at the launch of the 2025 Very Camogie Leagues. This year’s competition promises to be an exciting showcase of talent, passion, and dedication to the game. INPHO/James Crombie
By Cian O’Connell
There is no denying that the pain of an All-Ireland defeat will linger for a long time.
Still, on the eve of the 2025 inter-county campaign, Galway vice captain Aoife Donohue is simply ready to get going on.
The narrow Croke Park loss to Cork is etched in the mind, but Galway are eager to continue making an impact under Cathal Murray’s shrewd guidance. “We're really looking forward to it now, the league is starting in the next few weeks,” Donohue says.
“So, it starts off the year for us, and we're looking forward to it. After any loss really it takes time, but, I suppose, you take time off in the winter months.
“Then, you get back into pre-season, and the year starts again. You just have to change your focus to 2025. Obviously, there is disappointment there after losing last year, but we're all just looking forward to starting off fresh.”
Throughout Donohue’s senior inter-county career, Galway have been relevant on the national stage. That is important. “We'd be very proud in Galway about everything we've achieved,” Donohue responds.
“We've been quite consistent over the years, that comes from a lot of work that has gone in over the last couple of years too and down through the years with different set-ups.
Galway's Aoife Donohue and Cork's Aoife Healy in action during the 2024 All-Ireland Senior Camogie Final at Croke Park. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
“Cathal obviously came in, he is still with us since, it has been hugely successful under him. We'd be very proud that we're competing, that we're there or thereabouts for the last couple of years.”
Murray’s decision to remain in charge is significant according to Donohue. “Yeah, definitely, he has given a lot to us and to Galway Camogie since he came in,” Donohue says.
“He has brought it to another level, and he never leaves any stone unturned. He is brilliant. We've been quite successful under him since he came in.”
As a secondary school teacher, Donohue stresses the value and importance of sport. “It is huge, I'd be heavily involved,” she says. “I believe that work needs to go in at schools’ level, it starts there. You want to hang on to kids, once they finish up in school.”
From both a player and teacher’s perspective, how vital is the role model element for the next generation? “I think it is hugely important that young kids see it, that they've role models to look up to,” Donohue says.
“You'd be hoping that they'd go on, they'd hope to represent their county or club at the highest levels. I think it is hugely important that we continue to have role models, that we're seen.
“The media has a big role to play in it, but it is important to keep pushing it. Ultimately, they do look up to inter-county players.”