Millie Condon on starting a first All-Ireland final: Experienced players were there for us all year

Having just won her first All-Ireland camogie medal, Millie Condon was one of the last to leave the hallowed Croke Park field as she savoured the whole occasion.

The Ballinascarthy dynamo's work-rate was incredible. She more than played her part in Cork's 31st All-Ireland by overcoming rivals Galway.

“It’s a surreal feeling to be honest, I cannot believe we have done it," Condon said.

"We knew we had it in us and that Galway would really put it up to us, but we had faith in our own ability and I suppose that stood to us in the end.” 

Condon came into the senior starting 15 late in the season, having earlier in the year landed an U23 All-Ireland.

“It was a great year with the U23s and in fairness, there was no pressure from the senior management.

"We played away with the U23 team and it was brilliant to win that and now today to win the senior title is really a dream come true.” 

Foundation

Condon paid huge tribute to the more experienced players on the side and how they helped the younger players, not just in the final, but all season.

“The senior girls are unreal to be fair to them. They supported us and helped us all year.

"Anything we needed to know or wanted to ask any of them, they are always there for us.

"They encouraged and supported all the players who came in this year. 

"I was on the panel last year and I suppose that helped me as I was learning all the time. To get an opportunity to make the team this year was something I really appreciated. 

"Every one of the senior players helped and encouraged me and all the other new girls who made the step up this year.

When you have players like that around you it makes all the difference, and it helps you settle into the squad.” 

While it wasn’t her first time in Croke Park with a Cork side, it was her first time starting in a final but the occasion really didn’t get to her at all.

“The walk around before the game really helped you get the feel of the atmosphere and what to expect during the game.

"The crowd were there for the intermediate final and the atmosphere was building up all afternoon and I knew what it was going to be like."

The parade was very much enjoyed by the West Cork ace.

“Yes, it was really enjoyable, and to be honest, I wasn’t really that nervous. I suppose, as I said, having come out earlier and had the walk around it helped settle the nerves.” 

Giving a solid performance in the number 12 jersey, she played a roving role, coming out around the middle winning a lot of ball and helping break up a lot of Galway forward play.

I suppose we knew we had to work hard and win the 50-50 balls, and after that shaky start we did that in the second half.

"I'm just delighted to have been part of this Cork team of great players and so delighted for us that we made up for last year and won this year."