Keeley Corbett Barry, Waterford, and Laura Hayes, Cork, in Munster Senior Camogie Final action. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
By Cian O’Connell
Waterford’s Keeley Corbett Barry senses the possibilities. An All-Ireland final appearance has that type of an impact.
The decider didn’t go according to plan for the Déise against an accomplished Cork outfit, but being involved in such an occasion illustrated Waterford’s potential. “It was huge for us,” Corbett Barry says.
“It was our first time in 75 years, it was brilliant for our county. It shows that the championship can be wide open, it does also show we have the potential within us.
“It will stand to the county, going forward because it was brilliant for younger girls to see the senior team doing so well.
“It is great, we have minors coming into the panel now, who are driving on, pushing for a place. It has been brilliant. The support we've had around the county has been great.”
Providing hope for the next generation matters deeply to Corbett Barry. “100 per cent,” she responds instantly.
“I'd even bring it back to when I was growing up. I was playing with the boys, camogie wasn't anywhere near as big as it is now. Even seeing how much it has developed in Waterford in the last few years.
The Camogie Association and Glen Dimplex recently launched the 2024 Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Camogie Championships, which will commence the weekend of May 25/26. Pictures from Left to Right are Armagh's Leanne Donnelly, Westmeath's Muireann Scally, Tipperary's Caoimhe Maher, Galway's Roisin Black, Glendimplex Marketing Executive Aiden Kinsella, Ard Stiúrthóir Sinéad McNulty, Uachtarán of the Camogie Association Brian Molloy, Glen Dimplex Executive of Operations Delia Reilly, Cork's Molly Lynch, Waterford's Keeley Corbett Barry, Offaly's Clodagh Leahy and Mayo's Grainne Delaney
“More local clubs are being set up, giving girls that opportunity. At the end of the day we are becoming role models for more and more girls, which is brilliant.
“To see the way it is developing in the county, it is great and shows that there will always be another group of girls to carry the flag.”
Increased media exposure is important and Corbett Barry is relishing another All-Ireland series, which commences against Tipperary this weekend. “We are putting in the same effort as our male counterparts,” she says.
“The fact that we are beginning to get recognised more and more is brilliant because every camogie or LGFA player does deserve it. Players deserve to be recognised and there is huge progress being made, in that happening.”
That a number of counties believe that national silverware can attained is vital according to Corbett Barry. “Definitely, it is brilliant,” she replies. “Any game you're playing now at senior level is a tough game. It is brilliant and only brings on your county even more.
“It is nice that there is more competition in a way. It is nice for a change from the outside looking in.”
Saturday’s battle with neighbours Tipperary should be lively.