Cork's remarkable revival sets up another Galway decider: We've come a long way from March

When Cork camogie manager Ger Manley reflects on where his side stood in March, it is little wonder there was a smile on his face after their  All-Ireland semi-final victory over Tipperary.

At that stage of the year, Cork were staring at a league campaign that yielded just one win from five games. A heavily revamped panel was finding its feet after a winter that saw several experienced players retire while others headed to Australia to pursue AFLW opportunities.

Fast forward four months and the Rebels are preparing for a sixth consecutive Glen Dimplex All-Ireland senior camogie final, taking on Galway at Croke Park on Sunday, throw-in 4.15pm.

Manley has named an unchanged side from the semi-final for the final on Sunday.

For Manley, now in his third year as manager having previously spent two years as a selector, the turnaround has been one of the most satisfying achievements of his time involved with the senior setup.

"We were poor early in the year," he admitted. "But there were mitigating reasons for that. When you looked back on some of those league games, we probably could have won most of them.

"We always felt that July was the time we wanted to be hitting form and thankfully that's where we've gotten to.

"Where we are now is completely different to where we were in the middle of March."

League defeats to Waterford, Antrim and Galway, coupled with a draw against Tipperary, left Cork under pressure. Their sole victory came against Kilkenny and there were genuine concerns about how quickly a largely reshaped panel could adapt.

However, Manley never lost faith.

"The standard has levelled off so much. We got three brilliant championship matches in the group and we wanted to win all three of them. It was important for confidence," he said.

"The Galway game in Athenry was huge. We hadn't beaten them there for years and the performance was excellent. That really kicked us on."

That June victory over Galway, a commanding 0-18 to 1-8 success, marked a major turning point. It served notice that Cork’s apparent struggles were behind them and reminded the camogie world that the traditional powerhouse remained a formidable force.

A significant factor in the resurgence has been the emergence of a new generation.

Players such as Izzy O'Regan, Millie Condon, Ava Fitzgerald, and Méabh Murphy have embraced increased responsibility, while experienced campaigners continue to provide the backbone.

"We lost a lot of strong players and that was always going to take time," Manley said.

"But the younger players have got better and better as the year has gone on. Izzy has been like a new signing since she came back from injury. Millie has done very well. Méabh Cahalane is ultra-consistent and has been unbelievable. We have a lot of versatility in the group and that's what you need."

The rebuilding process was particularly evident in defence, where Cork had to reshape a half-back line that had been a cornerstone of previous successes. Yet as the championship progressed, the unit developed into one of the team's great strengths.

The growth of the squad was showcased again in their semi-final win over Tipperary as Cork weathered periods of pressure before pulling clear thanks to two crucial first-half goals.

"We were always comfortable enough," Manley reflected.

"Amy (Lee) made a brilliant save and those moments win games. The goals were hugely important too."

Now another familiar challenge awaits.

For the third consecutive year, Cork and Galway will meet in the All-Ireland final. Cork prevailed in 2024 before Galway gained revenge last season, setting up a tantalising decider with the honours even.

The rivalry has become the defining fixture of modern camogie and Manley expects little to separate the sides once again.

"They're a phenomenal team," he said, "We were lucky enough the year before and Galway got a bit of luck last year. That's finals.

"Both teams have had players moving on and new players coming in. We know each other so well and there won't be much in it.

"It's going to be physical and it's going to be hard work. If we perform to our potential, I think we'll have a very good chance."

Whatever happens in Croke Park, Cork's consistency remains extraordinary.

This will be the county's sixth successive All-Ireland final appearance and their 11th in the past 13 seasons. Manley believes that remarkable record is built on an unwavering commitment from players who continually find new ways to drive standards.

"You're not entitled to be in an All-Ireland final," he said.

"There's an expectation in Cork, but you still have to earn it. The players deserve enormous credit. They work unbelievably hard and the game has moved on enormously. The standards, the preparation and the commitment involved are huge.

"I think there's a good buzz around the place now because maybe not many people expected us to be here after the start we had."

As the countdown to Croke Park continues, Manley admits he would gladly skip straight to throw-in time.

"I wish it was Monday and the job was done," he laughed.

"There are always nerves. But that's what sport is about.

"We just want to perform. If we do that, we'll give ourselves every chance."

After a season that started amid uncertainty and doubt, Cork have already demonstrated their resilience. Now, with Galway standing between them and another All-Ireland title, the Rebels have one final step to take.

CORK: A Lee (Na Piarsaigh); I O’Regan (Ballygarvan), L Coppinger (St Colums), M Cahalane (St Finbarr’s): A Fitzgerald (Sarsfields), M Murphy (Ballinora), I Sheehan (Éire Óg); A Thompson (Milford), L Hayes (St Catherine’s); E Murphy (Glen Rovers), S McCarthy (Courcey Rovers), M Condon (Ballinascarthy); A O’Connor (St Vincent’s), O Cahalane (St Finbarr’s), S McCartan (St Finbarr’s).