Glen star Emma Murphy primed and ready to take on Galway in the All-Ireland camogie final

Glen Rovers camogie star player Emma Murphy is ready, waiting, and relishing the challenge champions Galway will bring on Sunday next in the All-Ireland camogie final. 

In a career that has seen her captain a Cork minor side to All-Ireland glory, the Glen Rovers player knows the challenge is a huge one.

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

"It's easy to get up for it. We know what we're getting and we just have to match it and even go beyond it. 

"Hopefully, we can come out the right side of it."

She has enjoyed great days since she began playing camogie at club level where as a six-year-old. She joined the Glen Rovers nursery academy at that age.

She then progressed through the ranks of the club's underage teams and was soon a member of her school camogie team where she captained the Scoil Oilibheir Sciath Na Scoil team. 

Rising star

Her first outing in a Cork jersey saw her play on the Cork primary games team for two years before going on to play with the Cork U14 team, where she captained the side that took All-Ireland honours. 

Going on to make the Cork U16 squad winning two Munster championship medals before making it onto the county minor side in 2018. She was a member of the team that captured the first minor All-Ireland title as Cork overcame a fancied Galway side and then went on to retain the title in 2019. 

Having lined out with the Cork junior side winning a Munster championship medal, Emma progressed onto the senior panel in 2020, winning All-Ireland honours in 2021, 2023 and 2024 as Cork were crowned champions. 

She has also worn the UCC colours, where she lined out in Ashbourne Cup finals, but success eluded them.

2025 saw her make a big breakthrough with a starting role on the Cork senior team, and this season she has been one of Cork's standout performers. In their semi-final outing she fired over four first-half points from play as Cork laid the foundations for victory against Tipperary.

It has been a different year to previous ones, with a lot of new faces in the squad, as Cork have had to rebuild after losing 14 players from last year's panel and were not tipped by many to reach the final.

I suppose the last couple of years we've been privileged enough that we have got there, this year it was never a guarantee. It's not a guarantee every year.

"You have to work hard to get through to it, but this year, in particular, I think we really had to rebuild. 

"There are so many young girls who haven't played in an All-Ireland final and who haven't been on the panel before, so it will be a good buzz for them.” 

Whilst the starting 15 are usually the main focus, Emma was quick to point out how important the squad is to their overall success.

"It is one to 34, and the girls have pushed each other on in training all season, and you can see it when players come on and the impact they have made.

Our bench has been massive for us all year."

Looking ahead to Sunday the importance of having support is something she cherishes.

"It was amazing to have the Cork crowd in Semple Stadium and also at our home game against Waterford.

"When we ran out you could really hear the Cork supporters, and all through the games it's great and really spurs you on. 

"Hopefully now we will have a big crowd in Croke Park we need them with us to push us on and help us get over the line.” 

No doubt if that finishing line is within sight, Murphy will give it her all to ensure the O'Duffy Cup will return to Leeside.