Tipperary's Caoimhe Maher 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
More than a decade on the senior inter-county beat with Tipperary has taught Caoimhe Maher many valuable lessons.
Simply, it is vital that the good and encouraging days are embraced, with Maher sensing the potential in the Tipperary panel.
The 2024 Very League Division 1A triumph illustrated Tipperary’s ability. With a demanding match against Kilkenny imminent at the weekend, Maher remains hopeful. “The league last year was hugely, hugely positive for us,” she says.
“A lot of us had spent an awful long time putting a lot of hard work in for the last couple of years. So, getting our first national title and medal was hugely important. We only have positive memories from that, and it gave us a taste of what we could achieve if we continue to work hard.”
An opening weekend draw with Dublin captured the competitiveness of Division 1A. Several counties believe that silverware is attainable. “I think that is only a positive thing,” Maher remarks.
“For camogie in general, it is really exciting how competitive all of the teams are. Nothing is guaranteed at all on any given day, at the moment.
“That is where you want it to be, it gives all teams belief that when they go out on the field, when they get things right, they're in for a good chance on any given day. It is a hugely positive thing for players and also for supporters too.”
What are some of the chief reasons why Tipperary are serious contenders again? “We've really good supports in place, how the set-up is delivered, how it is managed, how our training day looks,” Maher responds.
“There is lots of analysis in terms of stats and things, previously they may not have been there. Girls are managed in terms of training load, the set-up is very different compared to what it would have been 10 plus years ago.
“I think you've a lot of girls playing who'd have seen success in other competitions over the last couple of years. We've a lot of people, who've won at colleges and Ashbourne level.
Caoimhe Maher, Tipperary, and Ailish O’Reilly, Galway, in action during the 2024 Very Camogie League Division 1A Final at Croke Park. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
“We won an All-Ireland minor last year, so girls are getting a taste of success in other top tier competitions outside of the league and championship. Once you've that success under the belt, it only makes you want to strive for more when you know what is achievable.”
Sampling underage victories will help the long-term sustainability of Tipperary camogie according to Maher. “There had been a fair few years since the last minor title was won,” Maher reflects.
“You want to see girls growing up, winning those type of titles, getting used to that, and understanding what it is to win, and what that feels like. That is what drives you on. Once you've that success at any stage, it is what you want to replicate.
“It might be hard to achieve at senior level, but ultimately if that is what you're used to, that is what you expect too. It will definitely be a huge factor in motivating people and driving people on to win.”
Representing Tipperary still matters deeply to Maher. “It is super enjoyable, it would be a really difficult thing to do if you didn't ultimately enjoy it,” Maher remarks.
“Being part of the team, you're growing up with people who you're surrounded by four or five nights a week, sometimes even more if you're lucky enough to be on the team with family members.
“They're people you rely on, and you continue your relationship with them throughout your life. It sets you up great in terms of support, family, and having friends for life.”
Possibilities exist because of camogie. “It provides you with great opportunities outside of the sport in terms of what you learn from it and all of those types of things,” Maher adds. “There is huge enjoyment out of it.
“I personally like the routine and structure. When you're playing top level camogie, lots of us are naturally competitive people so it is a great way of challenging that kind of energy and having an outlet that you can focus on, trying to achieve good things.”
Maher’s interesting camogie journey continues.