Dublin star Niamh Gannon 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
Suddenly, all sorts of possibilities exist for a promising Dublin camogie outfit.
Following a campaign that brought Division 1B glory and an All-Ireland semi-final appearance, Niamh Gannon is fully aware of Dublin’s considerable potential.
A February 22 Very League top flight opener against holders Tipperary is exactly the environment in which Dublin want to be operating. “Obviously, last year was a really great year for us, we really built on that 1B League win, and drove on, going into Championship,” Gannon says.
“It was hugely successful, getting to the semi-final, our first one in seven years, and the goals this year will be even higher. We will be setting those targets for ourselves.
“We're really looking forward to starting off against the reigning champions of the league, Tipp, in the next few weeks. We're looking forward to the year.”
Momentum has been generated by Dublin, which is crucial according to Gannon. “I think a lot of it comes down to belief, we got a lot of belief from winning matches, yes it was 1B, but we were starting to win matches, we were getting over the line,” she replies.
“Usually, in those tight games we might have lost by a point or two, but we were actually on the right side of those results. We took that belief, going into the Championship we felt we could win these matches, and it definitely helped. In saying that, the belief we would have got from last year is brilliant, and we will drive into this season with that belief.
“Also, on the flip side knowing the last time we were in a semi-final, it took us seven years to get back there. So, we don't want a repeat of that, but the belief we got really helped us drive on.”
The fact that several counties can be classed as contenders in league and championship is significant. “I definitely think it is in a very healthy place,” Gannon remarks about camogie.
“We'd have been looking at Tipp for the last few years, they've been driving on for a good few years, like ourselves, getting up there. For years we've been at the wrong end against Kilkenny, but times have changed.
“You still have Cork, two time winners, who will be trying to get a third one, but you've a lot more teams right there behind them, and we're delighted to be in the mix with them.”
Niamh Gannon remains a key performer for Dublin. Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile
Reaching the last four in the summer mattered deeply so Gannon wants Dublin to remain relevant. “The ladies footballers and mens footballers in Dublin have been setting that standard for years,” she responds.
“It does help when Dublin teams are getting to the latter stages, just for the general boost for the sport. Last year for that semi-final, we had a great turnout of supporters.
“If we can keep getting to the final stages, getting more support and people at the matches, it definitely helps and we can continue to progress. For camogie as a whole, it would help the sport in general.”
Gannon is one of three sisters from the St Jude’s club involved in the Dublin panel. So, there is a real sense of enjoyment. “100 per cent, it is a massive commitment when you're training with a county team, but we do it because we enjoy it,” Gannon remarks.
“I know everyone says it, but the girls on the team, they're the closest friends you have. We spend so much time together, I'm lucky enough to have two sisters on the team anyway, but we're all basically sisters with the time we spend together. You go through so much as a group.
“Great times, obviously, and some not so good times. We enjoy what we're doing, that is why we keep coming back.
“Being with the girls on the pitch and the enjoyment we get from it, that is why we do it on those winter nights, that is why we get up early in the morning, getting our sessions in.
“It is all because, at the end of the day, we love what we're doing, we love playing. There is a massive commitment, but we wouldn't do it if we didn't enjoy it.”
The value and importance of sport is underlined by the Gannon sisters’ exploits for club and county. “It is brilliant,” Gannon says.
“Sport was always massive in our family, we're not a GAA family at all, my parents played badminton and hockey.
“It is brilliant, getting to play alongside your sisters is such an honour, and it is great to see us all line out in the Dublin gear. I'm sure it is great for our parents and people in family, it is really special playing alongside your sisters.”