Carrie Dolan getting ready for semi-final test
Galway's Carrie Dolan pictured ahead of Saturday's Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Senior Camogie Semi-Final against Tipperary at UPMC Nowlan Park.
By Cian O'Connell
Throughout Carrie Dolan's senior career Galway have remained relevant on the national stage.
Serious contenders for silverware, Galway face another demanding assignment against Tipperary in Saturday's Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Camogie Semi-Final at UPMC Nowlan Park.
The fact that several counties believe that they can make a real bid for honours is significant. "I think it is a fair assessment," Dolan says.
"When I was growing up you had Cork, Galway, Wexford were going really well. Now, you're looking around, you had Dublin against Cork in last year's semi, Kilkenny have come back again this year.
"They did really well against Tipperary in the quarter-final. You've loads of teams coming through. It is healthy for camogie, it is healthy for the sport."
That Galway topped a decent group to earn a place in the last four provides encouragement for Cathal Murray's consistent outfit. "We probably had the tougher of the two groups, with tough tests, it came down to the last group game, and we were happy to come out of that," Dolan says.
"A good few years ago, it was getting over the semi-finals, that was the thing. We've been in a good few finals over the last number of years.
Carrie Dolan, Galway, and Julieanne Bourke, Tipperary, in Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Senior Championship Semi-Final action last year. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
"We've had a lot of losses along the way, but they make you stronger. We're really looking forward to the semi-final at the weekend."
Dolan, an accomplished attacker for Clarinbridge and Galway, relishes being involved in these types of matches. "It is the highest level of camogie you can play," she says.
"When you're in the training and giving up your time, it can be tough, but you play for knockout games like this weekend. That is why you play.
"They're really enjoyable games when you're winning. Obviously, they're tough if you're losing, but that is part and parcel of the game."
Emerging players are delivering for Galway alongside the established names. "That is the benefit with Cathal being manager of the U23s and seniors this year," Dolan says.
"You see that coming training with the new players. It can be a two or three year thing. You just don't become a senior player overnight. You've to work your way there. Those girls are coming into their own now."
Dolan is leading by example.