Amy 3-7 relieved to lift the O'Duffy Cup

Sunday, August 6, 2023, is a date that will live long in the memory of Amy O’Connor.

She captained Cork to All-Ireland camogie glory and scored 3-7 over the hour, with the three goals coming in a five minute spell at the start of the second half.

They effectively killed off any slim chance of a Waterford comeback and ensured the O’Duffy Cup was back on Leeside for the first time since 2018.

For her display in the final, the St Vincent’s camogie star is the May winner of The Echo Women in Sport award.

It has always been a dream of Amy’s to climb the steps of Croke Park and collect the cup on behalf of Cork and she said it was an unbelievable feeling, but the overwhelming one was relief.

“The feeling was joy, but relief more than anything else,” said Amy, “we have been trying to do it now for the last five years and fell short so it was a relief, nothing but sheer utter relief.

“I remember it very vividly and I hope it stays with me forever because it’s a moment I want to remember and want to cherish.

“When the whistle went there was an initial reaction of joy, then I had people pulling and dragging me saying you have to go up and collect the cup, whereas I wanted to celebrate with the players and management.

“But they kept dragging me away and saying you must get up the steps, which is not a bad complaint to have, so I remember it very vividly.

“There was one small moment of panic as I had to find who had my speech before I went up. But I had given one to Jennifer Megan and also Michelle O’Connor and I found Jennifer in the rush and she gave it to me.

“They were trying to drag me up without it and I was saying there was no way I was going up without it.”

Before the game, all considered Cork favourites but Amy said this was something they didn’t think about.

“Within the group, it was something we genuinely didn’t think about, we just focused on ourselves and had no idea we were favourites. So many people were on about it and talking about it but we completely ignored it.

“We got our business done in the weeks before the final, but never really thought about it, that favourites tag. Then at half-time, (when they led by 1-9 to 0-3), we just reset and knew if we won the second half we were going to be All-Ireland champions and that was our focus.”

Then Amy got those three goals, but also admitted afterwards that she had no idea she was after getting three.

“I remember looking up at the scoreboard and it was 4-9 for us and I knew I had scored two. I knew that Sorcha had one as well but I wasn’t sure who got the fourth and it was only when the game was over that someone said it to me.

“That’s a bit like how we tried to play all year, focus on the next ball and next ball and keep going. I remember leaving my house that morning and saying I don’t care if I never touch the ball today as long as we win.

“And I think that’s how we played so well, we forgot about our own individual performances and just concentrated on the team one.”

As well as the three goals Amy scored seven points and some have been saying that the famous sign ‘John 3-7’ has now become ‘Amy 3-7’.

“A few people have said that to me. Five of the points were from frees and I was practicing the day before and I can honestly say not one went over the bar. So thank god on the day they all went over, a couple of tricky ones and a couple of more straightforward ones, but thankfully they all went over.

“Getting the first one helps to settle you down and you’re on the board then. As a free taker, you have that couple of seconds to settle over the ball. That time it’s nice to have when you are thinking about the ball and striking it cleanly, it gives you a chance to breathe and get it right.”

Reflecting on their performance Amy added: “We have been promising for some time to click and put in a big performance and it just happened in the final. We exploded on the day and it wasn’t really about the opposition, it was about ourselves.

“We said if we got ourselves right that performance was going to happen and it was nice to really perform in an All-Ireland final.

“We have been in finals that have been tight, tense games whereas this year we had that bit of a cushion and in the last two or three minutes you could look around and take it all in and that was really lovely to be able to do.”

Coming home to Cork with the O’Duffy Cup Amy said to see the crowd on the South Mall and then at her own club was just magical.

“It was lashing rain on the night and for the people that stood out in the rain to greet us was incredible. Going up to Vincent’s I stopped on Harbour View Road as where I live is just off it. Everyone on my terrace had done it up in red and white flags and all the neighbours came out and it was lovely.

“Then going up to the club was something I will never forget. What they did for me and the team was just unbelievable. People are still talking about what a great night we had.

“Everyone enjoyed those few days after the final, we stuck together and made memories for life. It’s a very together group and a very special group.”

Since then team manager, Matthew Twomey, has stepped down and Amy said it’s hard to understand from outside what he has done for the group.

“Matthew was incredible, he has given his whole heart, his whole soul to this group over the last two years and over the last 10 years really.

“I remember coming into the squad in 2014 and Matthew was the first person to put his hand around me to make sure I was alright.

“We couldn’t ask for anything more from Matthew and we are very sad, very sad, to see him go and he couldn’t have given us anymore.

“We respect his decision and wish him and his family all the best going forward. I’m delighted for him that he has gone out with the win he deserves and the level of his effort was rewarded,” concluded Amy.