Modest and humble, Amy O'Connor pays tribute to her club and those who helped her succeed

WHEN Amy O’Connor joined St Vincent’s camogie at a young age little did the Cork Senor hurling star envisage the wonderful career she was about to have at the northside club.

Fresh from helping Cork win the O’Duffy Cup Amy (27) looked back on her camogie years with great pride.

“My cousin actually went to St Vincent’s and as his parents had kitted him out the gear would have went to waste so I took up the mantle and the rest is history,” she said.

The first coach for Amy was Ross Corcoran but getting big numbers involved over the years has always been a struggle and thankfully in recent times that trend is changing.

“Yes the Senior section have to battle hard but the good news is that our underage section is booming and I have great belief in the younger folk that one day our club will be competing at the highest level,” she added.

Recently St Vincent’s competed in a juvenile final an achievement that really pleased the Cork captain.

“We haven’t competed in an A final for years and the U13 girls did us proud and that’s a huge boost for all of us.” 

Prior to the final Amy visited the club to watch the U13 team train and she was astounded at what she witnessed.

The buzz and the amount of folk at the training was amazing and I thought to myself let’s hope this is the start of great things to happen at our club.

“I would be happy to think that when the young girls see what can be achieved with dedication they follow my footsteps and aim to play at the top.” 

From the age of 11 Amy has been involved with various Cork teams and has been with the Cork Senior squad for the past nine years.

“I actually joined the senior panel when I was playing minor so you could say at this stage that I am a seasoned campaigner.” 

After winning two Cork Senior championships with Seandun this season the divisional side were defeated by Sarsfields but Amy praised the Riverstown side.

“We were going for three in a row but in reality never get going and Sars were worthy winners.” 

After losing the 2022 All-Ireland final Amy was determined to go one better this year and she did it in style scoring three goals and captaining the team in their win over Waterford.

It was an incredible and one that will stay in my heart forever as everything went to plan for me and my great teammates who made it possible.” 

The homecoming at St Vincent’s finished off a great weekend for Amy.

“I cannot thank my club enough for what they did on the night and to see some of the members crying touched my heart and my mam and dad Tracy and Connie were blown away by the welcome.” 

POSITIVE

Last season Amy was under coach Davy Fitzgerald when the Clare man was involved with manager Mathew Twomey and his influence on the group was all positive.

“Davy was very good and for me personally, he helped my game and was always dedicated to all the squad.

“I would also like to thank our manager Mathew Twomey for his tremendous work and wish him the best for the future.” 

The support of Tomas Singleton to St Vincent’s camogie is something that Amy holds close to her heart.

“Tomas has been brilliant to the community as people do not see half in what he does as his business is done quietly and outside of his contribution to our club he has donated to the Cork camogie fund and generally is a gem and kind man to many sports.”