Galway's Áine Keane: 'Anything can happen' in All-Ireland final
Michael Bolton
Twelve months on from losing the All-Ireland camogie final to Cork, Galway will once again face the Rebel county for the ultimate prize.
One player who will not feature on the pitch on Sunday is Áine Keane due to injury.
The Galway defender suffered an ACL injury back in May and still faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Despite not being able to play a part on Sunday, Keane is positive ahead of this weekend.
"There is a good buzz around camp. Anytime you are in an All-Ireland final, there is going to be a good buzz.
"Everyone is in good form and good mood, so we are just looking forward to Sunday.
"It was always important for us to get back here. It is so hard when you get to a final and lose it, and rebuild to get back. That shows the character of our group; the girls are committed, and we want to put Galway in the best place possible.
"It has been a challenge to get back here; it is never an easy path to get to."
After All-Ireland final defeats in men's and ladies' football, as well as the camogie final, morale was not high come the end of the summer.
12 months on, and it is the camogie team who have responded the best, as Keane insists the Tribeswomen took the season on a game-by-game basis.
"When we came back at the beginning of pre-season, it was just about having those conversations.
"You get to the league, you compete well, and if you can, go as far as you can go.
"That led to us getting to the league final this year. It didn't go as we wanted, but we got there. It was a good platform for us to build off.
"Coming into the championship, the main aim is to get a clean sweep in the group stages and put yourself directly into the semi-final.
"It was just about taking it game by game and trying to put your best foot forward at all times."
In the past two seasons, it has been Cork who have dominated in Camogie, with Galway giving them one of their toughest tests in the final last season, losing out by a goal.
Two sides who know each other well, and have always delivered quality games, Keane is unsure if previous clashes will matter when the final begins on Sunday evening.
"On any given day, anything can happen. Any player can have the game of her life, and All-Ireland finals are no different.
"We know Cork well, but Cork knows us just as well. It is always such a battle between the two of us. It is always a great spectacle, and having played each other over the years, we know each other pretty well.
"I do think Cork are favourites, but Cork have earned that right to be favourites. They have had an incredible championship; they have earned that right to be where they are, and to be the pinnacle team of the championship so far.
"We are looking forward to that challenge of trying to get to their level. For us, first and foremost, put in a great performance that can hopefully match theirs.
"If we can do that, we stand a great chance."
