Cork ace Saoirse McCarthy: We had a rough start this year but we always kept the faith

Cork goalscoring hero Saoirse McCarthy was struggling to take it all in 20 minutes after the game had ended in victory over Galway in a pulsating All-Ireland camogie final.

McCarthy, as ever, was key for the Rebels. Her work-rate, movement and pair of points were outstanding. However, her goal will be talked about for years as one of the best ever in an All-Ireland final after catching a high ball and knifing through the defence.

Followed by a classy Orlaith Cahalane finish, the Rebels roared back from two points down at the break.

"I cannot really believe it to be honest, it really hasn’t sank in," McCarthy said. "At the start of the year we didn’t know our heads from our tails with all the departures.

We had a really rough year in the league and in Munster and it’s a testament to the group and management that we just dug it out and kept the faith and here we are now, All-Ireland champions. 

"It is unbelievable." 

Galway came in as favourites, a reversal of last year's decider.

"Yes, a lot of people doubted us and even in Cork a lot of people were doubting us, but that really drove us on. At the end of the day, when you put on a Cork jersey, you want to play to the very best of your ability all the time."

Dogged

The Courcey Rovers player had huge praise for the rookies who came into the starting team this year.

“The younger players were a testament to the determination we had to get over the line and to win this All-Ireland final. Look at them today. They played with freedom.

"They worked their socks off and kept going and going, they were sweeping in around the middle third and breaking up attack after attack and they kept going and kept going.

"Yes, mistakes were going to happen and were made, but their heads never, ever dropped. And we kept going and going.”

The first half had been a struggle though.

We put our shoulders to the wheel and dug it out in the second half.” 

It was important Cork didn’t allow Galway to get too far ahead.

"It was very important we got a good start to the second half, and once we got on level terms early in the half, we went toe to toe with them and matched them for there to the finish.

"The two goals were huge moments in the game." 

She paid credit to keeper Amy Lee and Libby Coppinger for her own green flag.

“Amy played a one-two with Libby and launched a superb ball downfield, and to be honest, I don’t remember much about it after that.

"I just went for it and found a bit of space and sure on another day Galway keeper Sarah Healy could have stopped it, but thank God that wasn’t today. 

"To be honest, I am delighted for all the girls.

"Every one of the panel has contributed so much to this win and our management team have worked so hard to help us win and we are all thrilled to win this one.

"We will definitely enjoy this one for a long time to come.

"This was a very special win for lots of reasons."