Amy O’Connor on turning the season around: 'I never doubted it for a second'

For Amy O’Connor, Cork’s dramatic Glen Dimplex All-Ireland camogie final victory over Galway was more than just another title.

It was vindication after a difficult start to the season, proof of the belief that never wavered within the dressing room, and, perhaps most importantly, the sweetest success of them all.

While many outside the camp questioned Cork's prospects after a rocky league and championship campaign that included an unexpected defeat to Antrim, O’Connor insists she always believed the Rebels would be standing on the steps of the Hogan Stand as champions.

“I think so, definitely,” she said when asked if this was the sweetest victory of her career.

“Obviously we had an awful start to the year, everyone knows that. But I literally, and people might laugh because it sounds so cliché, I didn't doubt it for a second that we'd be here.

I've been saying it since the start. Even on the days when we were beaten by Antrim and things weren't going well, I knew we'd be here.”

Cork had to overcome one of the toughest defences in the country to reclaim the O'Duffy Cup. 

Galway had conceded just a single goal all year before the final, but Cork struck twice when it mattered most.

“We hadn't scored a whole pile of goals this year compared to previous seasons, but that was partly down to the structure and the way we were playing as well.

“We knew we had a good inside line and brilliant runners coming off the shoulder from the half-forward line. 

"We probably didn't get the ball in there as much as we'd have liked today, but we knew if it did go in that we were lethal inside.”

No hiding place

The intensity of the contest was evident throughout, with two physical teams refusing to yield an inch. O’Connor believes Cork's willingness to meet Galway head-on was crucial.

“They bring a huge physicality to the game, and I think when we stand up to that, we can match them,” she said. “That was a big part of how we prepared for today.”

The Cork forward admitted memories of last year's final heartbreak provided additional motivation, but she was adamant that belief within the squad never diminished.

“Definitely, yeah. Jesus, after last year this is very sweet,” she said. 

“As I said, we never doubted it for a second. I never doubted it for a second. Galway are a tough team to play against, but I knew what we had in the dressing room and what we were capable of.”

Those inside Croke Park were treated to a gripping finale as Galway pushed desperately for a late equaliser. Cork survived several nervous moments before eventually getting over the line.

“There was unbelievable excitement out there and it probably was always going to go down to the wire,” O’Connor said.

“We had a couple of chances our way at the end, there were a couple of hooks and a couple of blocks. It was always going to be dramatic, but we're just delighted we won in the end.”

While Cork's goals grabbed the headlines, O’Connor was equally proud of the defensive work and relentless effort shown throughout the team.

“Galway love to crowd the middle third and it can be horrible to play against, to be honest,” she explained.

“But we knew if we could stop them coming out with quality ball and disrupt things there, they'd be less likely to get good ball into their inside line. That's what we tried to do. The work rate has to be there,” she said.

“Some people think being an inside forward is only about scoring goals and points, but it's a massive part of it as well. 

You're not judged solely on what you score anymore. You're judged on your ability to get back and work for the team as well.”

Crucial

O’Connor also highlighted the influence of Cork's tactical switches, particularly the impact of Ashling Thompson and the tireless running of Millie Condon.

“We made a switch at half-time and moved Ashling to centre-forward and that really paid dividends for us,” she said.

“Millie got herself out around the middle and she's such a busy player. She gets around the ground so quickly and that paid dividends for us in the second half.”

As celebrations began and the reality of Cork's triumph started to sink in, O’Connor's overwhelming emotion was not satisfaction, but relief.

“I'm delighted, but relieved as well, to be honest,” she said. “As I said, it might sound mad to some people, but I didn't doubt it for a second.

“I'm just delighted that we got over the line today.”