Libby Coppinger leads way as new-look Rebels target All-Ireland camogie glory

There was a point earlier this year when an All-Ireland final seemed a long way from Cork camogie’s horizon.

Defeats to Waterford and Antrim in the league, a relegation battle looming, and a painful Munster championship exit at the hands of Tipperary suggested that a rebuilding season lay ahead for a panel that had been reshaped by retirements and departures to Australia.

Yet for the sixth year in a row, Cork will line out in an All-Ireland final when they face Galway at Croke Park on Sunday, August 9, chasing a first title since 2023 and seeking revenge for last year’s defeat to the Tribeswomen.

For full-back Libby Coppinger, the journey back to headquarters has made this year's final appearance feel even more significant.

“You start out every year and this is where you want to be,” she said.

“We're very lucky to be from a very proud county where this is the expectation and the goal every season. But I think our hope was tested a little bit at the start of the year.

“We probably underestimated how much work was going to be needed because we lost incredibly talented players and leaders from the dressing room. We had some new management, new players coming in and probably hoped the transition would be seamless. It just took a little bit more work.”

That work has transformed Cork's season.

The warning signs arrived early. A narrow opening-round defeat to Waterford was disappointing, but the loss at home to Antrim in February proved a pivotal moment.

“I think it was a wake-up call,” Libby added, “We were very disappointed with our showing. It seemed like there needed to be a lot more work put in and it was definitely an eye-opener. It probably kick-started our season in a way.”

There were still bumps in the road. Cork managed only a draw with Tipperary during the league but a crucial victory away to Kilkenny helped preserve their Division 1 status.

“It was one of the most up-and-down leagues I can remember,” says Coppinger.

“Coming into the last day, teams could have made the final or been relegated. A lot of teams were finding their feet and we were definitely one of them.”

Recharged

If survival was the first objective, belief arrived later.

Few gave Cork much chance when they travelled to Galway for the opening round of the All-Ireland championship in June. They had already suffered an emphatic nine-point defeat to the same opposition in the league and were coming off a chastening Munster exit.

Instead, Cork delivered one of the performances of the season, winning 0-18 to 1-8 and signalling that reports of their decline had been greatly exaggerated.

“Going up that day, we just wanted a performance,” Libby said, “The result was a bonus because we got both. Losing to Tipperary in Munster was hugely disappointing but, looking back, it probably gave us one of our best blocks of training. We had six weeks where we could really focus on ourselves, bed down how we wanted to play and the attitude we wanted to have.

I think Galway was a release. We just went out and played with freedom.”

The victory became the catalyst for a run that has brought Cork all the way back to Croke Park.

Championship wins over Waterford and Tipperary followed before another meeting with the Premier County in the All-Ireland semi-final. Cork were virtually flawless during a devastating first half, converting all 13 of their scoring opportunities to establish a commanding lead.

“I had heard that stat alright,” Libby laughs. “That was down to being selfless in possession, taking the right options and really going after the game. We were like caged animals in that first half hour. Thankfully it went the right way.”

While the forwards grabbed the headlines, the defence had its own job to do after the break as Tipperary attempted a comeback with the benefit of a strong wind.

Led by Coppinger and anchored by goalkeeper Amy Lee, Cork stood firm.

“The girls up front set the tone with their work rate,” she says. “That made life easier for the backs because the ball coming in was under pressure.

“In the second half we had to do our defending and I think everyone contributed. Having Amy behind you is huge. She's cool, calm and collected no matter what's happening.”

Grounded

One phrase echoed throughout the Cork camp after the final whistle in Thurles. The players weren't talking about the All-Ireland final. They were talking about getting back training on Tuesday evening.

For Coppinger, that mindset has been one of the defining characteristics of this group.

“We've been really focused on the next game all year. If you look too far ahead, you'll get caught. We knew exactly what challenge Tipperary would bring. Getting back training on Tuesday meant you were where you wanted to be.”

The remarkable thing is that Cork’s latest final appearance has come during a season many expected to be transitional.

This will be the county's 11th All-Ireland final in 13 years and sixth in succession – a record that underlines the extraordinary standards maintained by successive generations of Cork camogie players.

“You can't focus on what happened last year because that's not going to get you anywhere this year,” said Libby.

We're a completely different team. There's a core group still there but there are so many girls for whom this will be their first All-Ireland final.

“It just shows the talent that is in Cork. The players before us set the standard and we're trying to raise it every year.”

Next comes Galway, the reigning champions and familiar rivals. The counties have contested the last three All-Ireland finals, with Cork winning in 2023 and Galway triumphing last season.

Coppinger insists there is little value in dwelling on the past.

“You can't focus too much on last year because if you're focused on the hurt, it'll only get you so far. It's about the motivation for this group and leaving everything out there on the field.

“There rarely seems to be much between us and I don't think this year will be any different.”

As for preparations, there is one tradition Coppinger never skips.

Before matches she calls to visit her grandmother, who sends her on her way armed with holy water and a blessing. Nothing too elaborate, she insists.

Just enough to bring a little bit of comfort before the biggest games of all.

And if that ritual helps guide Cork to another famous day at Croke Park on Sunday, there will be very few Rebels complaining.