Cork camogie ace Amy O'Connor: It doesn't matter who scores as long as we win

If there is one player who would love a repeat of last year’s All-Ireland camogie final then it’s Amy O’Connor.

The Cork and St Vincent’s star not only had the honour of captaining her side, she also scored 3-7 on the day to help the Rebels get the better of Waterford. Amy also admitted that it wasm't until after the game she realised that she had scored a hat-trick.

Next Sunday they face Galway in the Glen Dimplex senior final at 5.15pm at Croke Park and Amy said that was last year, this is this year and as long as Cork win it doesn’t matter who scores.

“You know, on a personal level, it was great last year, but I don't care as long as we get over the line,” said Amy, “This year it could be someone else knocking over the points and a goal or two, the important thing is we perform and get the win.

DREAM

“You know it was the stuff of dreams, really. As a child I probably played that match myself a million times in my dreams and it just came to fruition, but as I said I don't really mind how the game goes as long as we win. But it was lovely and very nice and I was delighted to have scored 3-7 and help bring the O’Duffy Cup back to Cork.

“It was only when someone said it to me afterwards I knew I had scored a hat-trick. I was so caught up in the game that I didn’t know. My boyfriend Danny (Morrissey) still claims that I definitely knew, but I didn't at the time, so I was delighted.”

Last year Cork gained massive confidence from their semi-final win over Galway. They had lost out to the Tribeswomen in the previous years and it many ways it was the confidence boost they needed ahead of the final.

Earlier this year Galway beat Cork in their league encounter but then in the group stages of the All-Ireland series Cork came out on top.

So this year it’s 1-1, but the Connacht side will be determined to gain revenge for last season’s loss, something that Amy and Cork are well aware of.

I think to be fair, we know them very well, they know us very well and it was a great game between us last year. 

"There's nothing between the two teams and so we are really look forward to playing them and I'm sure they're really looking forward to playing us as well.”

While there were great memories for Amy and Cork it was a day to forget for Waterford and in particular, Vikki Falconer. She did her cruciate early in the game and in the weeks afterward Amy said she sent her a message to wish Vikki a speedy recovery.

“It was suspected it was her cruciate, but as soon as the word came that it was I added her on Instagram and I gave her a text just to say that I was thinking of her, so I did wish her the best of luck and she replied and I was delighted to hear she was back this year, so that's brilliant.”

Amy has been a key forward for Cork for some time but she said there is a great dynamic to Cork’s attack this year.

“They’re so talented and you know, the girls that are coming in are equally as talented. Clodagh Finn came on in the semi-final and got two points. Sorcha McCartan came on and got a rocket of a goal.

“You know, there's such competition there and it's a lovely forward line to play in. I love playing alongside the likes of Orlaith Cahalane, she's the type of player that makes you look better.

Sometimes on the TV if my mum was watching a match back, she nearly mistakes me for Orlaith, which is a nice compliment. I wouldn't mind being mistaken for her.

“But our motto is to try and make everyone look better than yourself and we will be trying to do that on Sunday and hopefully it will be enough to get us over the line,” concluded Amy.