Emma Murphy on facing Galway in another All-Ireland final: We love playing each other

Emma Murphy said Cork are already relishing another crack at Galway after the Rebels powered into the Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship final with a 2-16 to 0-17 victory over Tipperary in Thurles.

The Glen Rovers player was one of Cork's standout performers at FBD Semple Stadium, firing over four first-half points as Ger Manley's side produced a scintillating opening-half display to silence the home support and secure a return to Croke Park on Sunday, August 9.

Awaiting them are old rivals Galway, who overcame Kilkenny in the day's other semi-final and will now face Cork in what will be a fourth All-Ireland final meeting between the counties in six seasons.

"We love playing Galway and I know they like playing us too," Emma said.

"It's easy to get up for it. We know what we're getting in two weeks' time and we just have to match it and even go beyond it. Hopefully we can come out the right side of it."

While another final appearance may appear routine from the outside, Emma stressed that this year's achievement feels particularly significant given the transition Cork have undergone since last season.

The Rebels have had to rebuild after losing 14 players from last year's panel and were not widely regarded as certainties to reach the final.

"I suppose the last couple of years we've been privileged enough that we have got there," Emma added.

"This year it was never a guarantee. Obviously, it's not a guarantee every year, but this year in particular I think we really had to rebuild.

We've lost 14 players from last year, so it's that extra bit special this year getting there with this group.

"There are so many young girls who haven't played in an All-Ireland final and who haven't been on the panel before. It's a good buzz now going into the next two weeks."

Murphy's own contribution was immense. Having scored just twice previously in this year's championship, the industrious midfielder popped up with four scores before the break as Cork tore into Tipp with the aid of a strong breeze.

The 2023 All-Star insisted, however, that individual tallies mean little in a group that has built its campaign on work-rate and collective effort.

"Some days they just go over," she laughed.

"I'm happy that I got a couple of scores on the board, but it's everyone's job. We don't just look at who scores.

"It's about the work-rate first and foremost and then the scores come after that."

Cork's clinical first-half display was all the more impressive given their four-week wait since the group stages. Rather than leaving them rusty, the pause appeared to sharpen their hunger.

"We put in a good four weeks and waited a long four weeks for a match," Emma said.

"Everyone was really ready and really hungry to get out there. We've had a tough year and we prepared ourselves well. We knew the bank of work we'd put in, and we were delighted to come away with the win."

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Murphy also highlighted the impact of Cork's strength in depth after the Rebels weathered a second-half fightback from a Tipperary side backed by a partisan home crowd.

With a record attendance of more than 10,000 for the semi-final double-header, Cork's bench played a key role in helping the visitors regain control.

"The bench has been massive all year," Emma said.

"It really is one to 34. The girls have pushed each other on in training all season and you saw the impact they made when they came on."

The Rebels were also buoyed by a sizeable travelling support that turned sections of Semple Stadium red despite Tipp enjoying home advantage.

"It was amazing to have the crowd," Emma said.

You could hear them when we were running out and they really were like a 16th player today."

There may be celebrations this weekend after booking another final appearance, but she knows the focus will quickly shift towards Galway and the chance to reclaim the title.

"We'll celebrate tonight and enjoy it, but tomorrow it'll be all focus on two weeks."