Captaining his team in the All-Ireland final would be an honour for any sportsman, but Offaly's Orlagh Phelan was privileged to experience the feeling at just 20 years old.
Part of a young side that hasn't looked back since their Division 2A triumph, Offaly have taken another step forward after being knocked out at the semi-final stage last season.
Phelan, who has confidently taken on the captaincy this season, will lead the Offaly and Kerry side into the All-Ireland Intermediate Camogie decider.
“I don't dwell on it too much. I'm just like everyone else.
“I need to go out there and do my best to get into the top five and I'm aiming for the win.
“You have different roles: you have to be a leader in training, a leader in your approach to tasks, a leader on and off the pitch.
“We're a group of girls who want to win, and that's what's important to me. It was a great honor, but I just try to work as hard as everyone else.”
Having come so close to the Intermediate League final last season, Offaly did not lick their wounds and lifted the trophy early on in their journey to league success.
Now, having taken another step forward and finding himself 60 minutes away from the All-Ireland title, the Offaly defender claims last season's injury has become a source of motivation for the team.
“Deep down, we always knew we were just one step away from our goal.
“Starting the year by winning the league final was absolutely amazing. It inspired us and gave us confidence.”
“It was important for us to stay confident throughout the year because we knew we were capable of doing this.”
The last few years have been tough for Offaly Camogie, who has perhaps not lived up to his potential in recent years.
After being relegated to the Intermediate Division in 2023 and falling to the league's third tier, things seem to be changing for the better.
For Phelan and this young group of players, the chance to test themselves against the best is a huge motivator ahead of Sunday's final.
“Top Camogie is where you want to perform, that’s where the highest standards are set.
“When you play for the senior team you come up against the best counties, you play against the best players, so everyone wants to play there.
“This is where you learn, this is where you grow.”
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
