While Kerry may still be celebrating their All-Ireland title win, attention in the county is now focused on camogie and Patrice Diggan is aiming to make history with his county.
After failing to reach the semi-finals last season, the Kingdom have taken another step forward and face Offaly at Croke Park on Sunday.
County Kerry, which might not be the first place that springs to mind when thinking of camogie, has made significant strides in recent years, winning the junior title in 2019.
For Diggan, inspiring the next generation is of utmost importance.
“It's really important for young girls in the area and local clubs to see us get to Croke Park.”
“When we were kids, everyone dreamed of playing at Croke Park, it was our dream.
“It's incredibly special for kids all over the county to see this and to be able to visit Croke Park. Regardless of the outcome on Sunday, it's hugely important for us to be playing there on the final day of the All-Ireland Championship.”
Camogie has never been popular in County Kerry, but interest in the sport has increased due to the success of the county team.
For Diggan, who grew up with very few players and clubs interested in the sport, its rise in popularity is a welcome development.
“Even in your own club I would go to matches as a minor, it was very nice to see such interest in minors.
“When we were growing up, there were only one or two clubs and we played the same teams all the time. Now, when you get to the final, you have to ask who they are playing because it could be any club.”
The final on Sunday will see six different counties compete for the trophies, but the second teams of the major counties have been eliminated along the way.
For counties trying to develop the sport, Diggan believes this can only be a positive for Camogie.
“It's probably a good thing that second-tier teams from cities like Cork and Galway have dropped out because it gives other counties more opportunities to develop.”
“Cork were in the senior and secondary last year and it's difficult for developing counties like us to get in when you have to face that kind of competition.
“That's probably one of the positives because now other counties can get to Croke Park. There are other teams playing there this year, which is very good for Kemoga in general.”
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
