Róisín Black, Galway, and Mary O'Connell, Kilkenny, in action during the 2021 Division One League Final at Croke Park. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
By Cian O’Connell
During the past decade Galway’s senior camogie team has been relevant on the national stages.
Reaching the latter stages of the All-Ireland championship, including winning titles in 2019 and 2021, illustrates the work carried out by Cathal Murray.
Another adventure is set to be launched with Róisín Black relishing the battles ahead, commencing with a game against Dublin at Parnell Park on Saturday. “We are all training hard, we are really looking forward to it,” Black says.
“Our management instil a lot of belief into us, we have been consistent over the last few years. We have fallen at the last hurdle or losing in the final or not getting into the final. Our aim this year is to get back into a final, and hopefully to go all the way.”
Galway were beaten in the league decider by Tipperary, but Black remains optimistic. “The league is all about learnings, and getting players time on the pitch, too,” she says.
“It was disappointing to lose the league final, but it was a great learning curve for us too. We took a lot from it, we are a lot more wiser going into the championship. We will definitely bring that, going forward too.”
The Camogie Association and Glen Dimplex recently launched the 2024 Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Camogie Championships, which will commence the weekend of May 25/26. Pictures from Left to Right are Armagh's Leanne Donnelly, Westmeath's Muireann Scally, Tipperary's Caoimhe Maher, Galway's Roisin Black, Glendimplex Marketing Executive Aiden Kinsella, Ard Stiúrthóir Sinéad McNulty, Uachtarán of the Camogie Association Brian Molloy, Glen Dimplex Executive of Operations Delia Reilly, Cork's Molly Lynch, Waterford's Keeley Corbett Barry, Offaly's Clodagh Leahy and Mayo's Grainne Delaney
Operating at senior inter-county means the schedule can be busy, but it is so rewarding according to Black. “I was only saying to the girls that we have to treasure these moments at training,” Black remarks.
“We are always looking at the next game ahead, but we have to enjoy the moments too. It is very enjoyable, we have a great gang of girls in the Galway set-up. Even my own club mates, I look forward to going training every day, sharing lifts and having the craic.
“You don't find it anywhere else, the team and everyone coming together with the one goal, it is really enjoyable, that aspect.”
Significant development is taking place in Black’s club Oranmore-Maree, who are catering for huge numbers of players in all codes. “Oranmore-Maree - we are building the whole time, to see how we can improve,” Black acknowledges.
“The underage is unreal too, the numbers involved. We are looking forward to the Renville Sports Ground being developed, that will definitely bring on our club.
“We are very lucky with all of the volunteers and players. We have to keep training them, working towards being the best we can possibly be.”