Athenry are back on the national stage following two All-Ireland senior final defeats in 2007 and 2009 to Tipperary’s Cashel.
After their shock relegation in 2016, the former senior champions have bounced back beating Mountbellew/Moylough in the County Final before dispatching Waterford’s Lismore in the All-Ireland semi-final.
When not even the snow can’t stop training. #TheToughest Athenry Camogie Club All Ireland Final ready. @OfficialCamogie pic.twitter.com/45dTqTcwpj
— Susan (@susanpom) February 11, 2018
It’s their first trip to Croke Park as the biggest day in club camogie only moved to GAA headquarters in 2011. Wing back Lorna Hannon has been given the honour of captaining her club in their biggest game in nine years and she chatted to Galway Daily ahead of the big match.
“There’s been such a big build up all around the parish and everyone is so excited,” said Hannon. “Just to see the bunting has gone up in the town and stuff like that. I never thought at the start of the year, obviously it crosses your mind that you might play in Croke Park and reach that far.
“But just then step-by-step winning the County Final, Connacht Final, All-Ireland semi. You get to the semi and you begin to dream about making it to Croke Park and I suppose those dreams have become a reality now.
“(If you) walk through the town, you’ll definitely bump into someone wishing you luck and stuff like that. All the posters in the shop windows (and) posters around every corner in the street. Really, it’s great and everyone is just wishing you the best and hoping that we win the final.
“It has been long. No doubt about it because we started back last year in February. But when you’re winning like we didn’t lose a match all year so it doesn’t feel long when you’re winning.
“Then we took a short break before Christmas and then we came back and ready to go again. So, it’s just been full steam ahead since then.”
Hear the full interview BELOW
Athenry face Kildare’s Johnstownbridge this Sunday (18th March) in the AIB All-Ireland Intermediate Camogie Final. Throw-in at Croke Park is 1.30pm.
Please support the Athenry Camogie Team's bid for All-Ireland glory – Buy an Athenry GAA Lotto Ticket this week – you could win €9,100 pic.twitter.com/J9BPniLMk7
— St. Mary's GAA Club Athenry (@cumannathanri) February 21, 2018
