'There is no better feeling than this...' Katrina Macky, Izzy O'Regan and Fiona O'Driscoll on Cork's victory

A cocktail of relief, jubilation and sheer delight were the emotions expressed by Cork’s players and mentors following the Glen Dimplex All-Ireland senior camogie final win over Galway in Croke Park.

Katrina Mackey netted the all-important goal in her county’s 1-16 to 0-16 victory.

“I think that this is about the best Cork team I’ve played with,” the veteran forward said.

“There is so much talent. We work so well together as a team. No matter who starts or who comes on, we all play as one team. Yeah, this is the best team I’ve played on.

“As for Galway, that win over them in Páirc Uí Chaoimh was not a true reflection of them. They were obviously really disappointed with that. We knew that coming in today. They were always going to bring a massive challenge. They did but our players stood up and we got the win.” Izzy O’Regan was another Cork player beaming from ear to ear.

“There is actually no better feeling than this!” O’Regan commented.

“So much joy, it is unreal. Galway really put it up to us today but we found the answers. Do you know what, it is the small margins that made a huge difference in the end. We are just delighted to have gotten over the line. It will be all celebrations now!” 

Cork selector and former All-Ireland winning player and manager, Fiona O’Driscoll was proud of the entire Cork panel’s efforts not just on Sunday but throughout 2024.

“The players have just been phenomenal,” O’Driscoll said.

“They have trained so hard for this all year. I know other teams do too. Today’s game was in the melting pot but we took it by the scruff of the neck.

We said all year how important our bench was. They were today again with the players who came on and made an impact.

“Amy (O’Connor) spoke in the dressing room beforehand about today being all about ‘we’ rather than ‘me’. It was Amy who provided the pass for Katrina’s (Mackey) goal. She certainly made the right decision when that crucial scoring opportunity came up. The goal was the difference in the end.” 

O’Driscoll’s overriding emotion was one of relief that her county had added another O’Duffy Cup triumph to the history books.

“It is a bloody relief right now and that’s the God’s honest truth!

“It was so tight today against Galway. Right to the end. Look, we have been there before and maybe it was that bit of experience and energy off the bench that made the difference in the end.

“In terms of Cork camogie, it was a huge day to have two All-Ireland final victories in Croke Park today.”