Time to savour unique All-Ireland atmosphere as Cork go for 31st camogie title

Less than 24 hours to go for another All-Ireland senior camogie final and it’s hard to believe it’s been 12 months since we were in Croke Park for the double.

On that great day, our senior and intermediate sides lit up Croke Park to win two brilliant finals.

Off we go again to savour that special atmosphere that only All-Ireland final day can bring. Everyone is ready to hit the road, be it by rail, car, or bus. Some are already there with several Cork clubs playing the Kilmacud Crokes All-Ireland sevens today.

All-Ireland final days are special, the buzz is unbelievable, the atmosphere generated by the supporters can be felt all over the grounds. Hopefully, Cork will have a big following when they run out at 5.15pm tomorrow.

Speaking of the time, it’s an absolutely ridiculous time for an All-Ireland final. A lot of families have opted not to go given the long journey and time they would return home after the game. 

This is something the Camogie Association needs to address. If they want to fill Croke Park, play the final at a family-friendly time.

Camogie final day is a unique one. 

It’s a day that gives families an opportunity to savour the Croke Park atmosphere without the hassle of grappling for tickets as was the case for the hurling final.

For years, the camogie championship has been dominated by the big names from the 1930s right through to the 1960s. Dublin, Cork, and Antrim were the dominant forces. 

Wexford took two titles in 1968 and 1969 and then there was a golden era for Cork from 1970 to 1973, before a new force emerged as Kilkenny took centre stage for a while and were dominant before Cork returned to the top.

In between, Antrim and Dublin took a title, and again Cork and Kilkenny dominated until Tipperary burst on the scene to take their first title and then proceeded to dominate, winning five titles in six years.

Finally, Cork bounced back and regained control, but we failed to make it three in a row and Wexford seized their chance to grab the title.

Many fancied Kilkenny to return to the big stage after huge underage success but it didn’t happen. Wexford had their reign of dominance, Galway took a title in between in 2011. 

BOUNCED BACK

Cork bounced back with wins in 2014 and 2015, but were stopped making it three in a row by Kilkenny in 2016. Back we came in 2017 and defeated Kilkenny with a last-gasp winner.

It was the same story in 2018, again a last-second winner. Cork had to look on in 2019 as Kilkenny beat Galway and again we sat it out in 2020 as Galway reversed that result. 

Cork lost back-to-back finals in 2021 to Galway and in 2022 to Kilkenny. 2023 and 2024 were contrasting final experiences as Cork defeated Waterford comprehensively in 2023 but only a goal separated Cork and Galway last year.

Let’s hope for good results tomorrow as Cork bid for title number 31. Best of luck to Ger Manley and the girls as they bid to retain the O’Duffy Cup.