John West Féile and Ambassador Waterford camogie player Beth Carton pictured at the launch of the John West Féile 2024 at Croke Park. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
By Cian O'Connell
A first All-Ireland Camogie Final appearance since 1945 ensures significant interest surrounds the Waterford team again.
The decider didn't go to plan for Waterford, but valuable experience was acquired throughout the campaign.
Beth Carton senses the possibilities that exist now. "The Waterford people are great to get behind you as well, there was a serious buzz," she says about 2023.
"Maybe it’s come on to this year a bit. Camogie has gone big in Waterford. Whereas before it wouldn’t have been cool to carry a hurley down the street if you were a girl, now there are big numbers underage, there's a lot of development teams involved – there’s three under-14 teams which we would never have seen before.
"So, it has progressed the game big time."
Every day Carton sees the increased interest. Young girls are eager to learn more about the game. "I see through my job, teaching, there’s loads of younger girls interested," she adds. "Last year has helped a lot in progressing it.
Waterford's Beth Carton during the 2023 All-Ireland Camogie Final at Croke Park. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
"Go back to the semi-final at Nowlan Park and there was a massive crowd and a massive crowd for the final. It’s just about giving the Waterford crowd something to cheer about this year."
Maintaining the feel good factor matters deeply according to Carton. "At this level, if you have one bad year it can roll on and roll on," she says.
"It’s massive that we build on last year. You’re not guaranteed anything. We’re lucky that we’re in Division 1, getting to play against the top teams again.
"It’s massive for this year to get back on track, get momentum. And I think young girls will follow that."
The manner in which Meath's ladies footballers flared to prominence is a source of inspiration. "When you look to see what they did, it’s a dream, it’s a dream of mine anyway to see what they have done and to be able to do two in a row, they are a fantastic group," she says.
"Look, I suppose they make it look like it is possible, more than anything, but you are kind of looking at them in awe as well, in fairness to them."