Kellyann Doyle: 'It has been a really enjoyable year'
Kilkenny's Kelly Ann Doyle pictured ahead of Sunday's Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship Quarter-Final against Tipperary.
By Cian O’Connell
It is Kilkenny versus Tipperary on the double at Croke Park on Sunday.
Before the All-Ireland SHC semi-final, an intriguing Glen Dimplex Senior Camogie quarter-final tussle features the neighbours and Kellyann Doyle is relishing the battle. “Absolutely, we're really looking forward to it, in our camp anyway, especially with it being a double header with the men,” Doyle says.
“It will be great to have so many Kilkenny supporters up there, following us. So, we're really looking forward to it.”
Considering the retirements of key performers during the winter, there was always going to be a bit of a transition in Kilkenny. “It has been different when you don't have the likes of Grace Walsh, Miriam Walsh, and Claire Phelan coming to training,” Doyle explains.
“Other girls are really stepping up. When you look at the panel as a whole, a lot of girls have experience, and have been involved for several All-Irelands. That mixture of experience and youth will hopefully stand to us at the weekend.”
Doyle accepts that it is an exciting time for camogie. Undoubtedly, Cork have set a high standard, but other counties can be classed as serious contenders. “I definitely agree it has become a lot more competitive in the last few years,” Doyle responds.
“You've a lot more competitiveness, trying to get out of the groups. After that the matches are really good to watch come the quarter-final or semi-final stage.
“So, I totally agree that camogie has gone more competitive. It is great for the sport in general because it makes it great to watch.”
Dealing with defeats means resilience must be demonstrated. “We've seen a bit of that this year,” Doyle remarks.
“Matches have come thick and fast, so we've to reflect on a loss and move on quickly, learn from it, and put it to bed before the match the following weekend.
“It is something we've had a bit of this year, unfortunately, but we're really looking forward to the match at the weekend. Training has been going well.”
Doyle relishes representing Kilkenny at the highest level. “It is massive, it is great for your family and friends, for everyone to see you out on that stage on a big day,” Doyle says.
“It makes all the sacrifices worthwhile; it has been a really enjoyable year. Hopefully it won't be over yet, but we're really looking forward to the weekend.”
Assisting young players is part of Doyle’s role. “It is, you've girls coming into the panel, it is their first time being in this set-up,” she says. “Any help you can give them is going to guide them in the right direction.”
That is what Doyle continues to do.