O'Sullivan: Sunday will be a fantastic occasion for the club

Next Sunday will be a special day for Brian O’Sullivan and his management team.

They will take to the pitch at Croke Park for the AIB All-Ireland senior camogie final against Athenry, throw-in 4.15pm.

He has been involved now with the senior side for several years and in 2024 guided them to the league-and-championship double.

This year, so far, they have retained those titles and have added the Munster title to the trophy cabinet.

Now, on Sunday, he will be hoping for ultimate honours as they aim to win the All-Ireland title.

Like others involved, he will be creating his own bit of history as he is the first manager to guide the Barrs camogie side to an All-Ireland final.

“On the personal side of the thing, it’s more about the club and the players. It’s a fantastic occasion for the club to go into the final on Sunday,” said O’Sullivan.

At the start of the year, when he set out his hopes for the season, reaching the All-Ireland final was mentioned, but he knew there were a lot of tough hurdles to overcome to get there.

“With the talent within the group, there’s no reason why we shouldn’t be looking towards that. I mentioned a few times what our goals were, and the county championship was the first one.

“There was a target on our backs from winning it last year, and to do back-to-back titles was fantastic for this group.

“It was a target that we set ourselves, and then, once we got out of Cork, which is always a tough task, you’re always looking forward towards the next game. Then, we won Munster, it’s been an incredible journey so far.”

In the Munster championship, their first game was against Newcastle West, a game some would say made this team for this year, giving them the confidence to get to where they are now.

“Yeah, possibly. It was a massive test, psychologically as well as physically. We were two goals up at 61 minutes, and you would think the game was over. But, in fairness to Newcastle West, they got two goals. The next thing was extra time, but our girls didn’t panic and showed the mental strength they have.

“It was a good test for us, particularly out in Munster, as it was a bit of the unknown, and it stood us in good stead going to Thurles for the final.

“That was a different type of game, because we didn’t have a quick start, and they came out of the blocks. They got a goal after 30 seconds. But like that again, there was no panic or distress to the team, we just got on with it, and I think we got it back to a point by half-time.

“We regrouped at half time and said, ‘there’s another half an hour here’. But like, as I said, these girls are made of steel, mentally and physically, and it’s player-driven. We’re just very fortunate, as a management team, to have the opportunity to work with them.”

Of their opponents, O’Sullivan added: “They’re a formidable side. You know, for them to come out of Galway after beating Sarsfields (of Galway), who are All-Ireland champions, tells its own story.

“We’re just going to try and focus on ourselves as best as possible and try to give a good account of ourselves.

“But we’re under no illusions it’s going to be another epic battle. They had a fantastic win over Dicksboro in the semi-final, another top-class side.

“At this level, you know you’re facing a quality side and have to be at it from the start.”