Kilkenny's Kellyann Doyle 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
Kellyann Doyle knows that 2025 will provide significant sporting challenges.
Classy and consistent Kilkenny camogie players have retired, but Doyle remains optimistic and hopeful.
A new generation is ready to emerge, and Doyle is ready, willing, and able to assist them on their sporting journey.
Undoubtedly Grace and Miriam Walsh’s departures will impact Kilkenny, but Doyle is enjoying the early weeks of the new campaign. “It has been a bit different, big names have stepped away, Grace and Miriam, have both stepped away,” Doyle says.
“We've plenty of young girls there that are putting their hand up. Even in the Ashbourne weekend recently we had Caoimhe Keher Murtagh, putting her hand up at centre forward, and that youth is going to stand to us, I think.
“In fairness, we've had a massive uptake on who wants to be involved this year. It is great to see so many girls putting their hand up, wanting to put the Kilkenny jersey on.
“That's never been an issue in Kilkenny, there is always plenty of enthusiasm, and the drive is always there to get that jersey. It is great to have those numbers, that there is a competitive edge to get on the team.”
Regardless of the code, Kilkenny have always shown resilience and an ability to respond to setbacks. A disappointing 2024 Championship hurt, but Doyle is encouraged by how training is going, despite a first round Very League defeat to Galway on Saturday.
Kellyann Doyle, Kilkenny, and Chloe Sigerson and Laura Treacy, Cork, in action during the 2021 All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship Semi-Final at Croke Park. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
“I think everyone wants to go one better than last year,” Doyle says. “That's the aim within the group, that drive is there, that want is there. Hopefully we can execute it now this year.
“It has been really, really good. Nothing beats playing with your friends, playing on summer days. That is why you come back after injuries. It is always what has driven me on, it is great to be back on the field now, and I'm really enjoying it.”
Doyle, who has recovered following three cruciate ligament knee injuries, is always happy to assist emerging players in the panel. “When I came in, I was very young, I was looking up to the likes of (Ann) Dalton, Collette Dormer, Katie Power, and now I'm probably one of the older ones, and I hate to say it,” she laughs.
“Over time that leadership comes, and leadership can be on the field and off the field. There are different forms.
“It is nice to be one of the older ones and one of the leaders on the team. Hopefully some of the younger ones are looking up to some of the leaders we have now at the minute.”
Doyle relishes a busy camogie schedule when games are on the agenda. “Momentum is a big part of the league, it is great to get competitive matches at this time of the year,” she says.
“Matches are what makes everyone better and it is why everyone loves playing camogie. So, we're really looking forward to the league, trying out a few new things, trying out a few new players, too.
“Everyone plays camogie to play matches, the more, the merrier. If they're coming thick and fast, that is great, you can improve week on week.”