Líadan C Fennell relishing Croke Park appearance
Laois' Líadan C Fennell will be playing in the highly anticipated Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Camogie Championship Finals taking place as a triple-header on Sunday, August 11, showcasing the pinnacle of camogie talent at the iconic Croke Park.
By Cian O’Connell
Líadan C Fennell laughs about the madness and excitement. An All-Ireland Final brings different elements, but Laois captain Fennell is simply relishing preparing for Sunday’s Glen Dimplex Premier Junior decider against Tipperary.
Tuesday’s media event at Croke Park is part of the process, but C Fennell, from a renowned sporting family in Laois, is delighted to be involved. “We are such an excited bunch of girls now, we are determined, but we are also anticipating it,” she says.
“Not many of the girls have played at Croke Park yet, I know I'm here, kind of getting used to Croke Park. For the girls it is just a new experience for them, to be in an All-Ireland final, but also to play at Croke Park, it will be a different story.”
Líadan C Fennell acknowledges the importance of embracing the occasion. “It is such an experience, especially with the support we are having at home in Laois,” she explains.
“To get to an All-Ireland final, for all these things to happen, signing hurls and jerseys, getting pictures. It is part of the whole story. It builds up the momentum which will hopefully drive us forward into the final on Sunday.”
One of her brothers, Fiachra, featured in the Joe McDonagh Cup Final for Laois against Offaly in June. “That is the thing, we went to Croke Park with the Joe Mac this year, they are laughing that I've to get in there now,” Fennell says.
“So, a few of my brothers in the last few years have their foot in the door with Laois. The sport is in the family, my parents have helped all of us and it has helped to push us on further each year.”
Laois' Líadan C Fennell pictured with referee Enda Loughnane and Shanise Fitzsimons of Cavan before the 2024 Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Premier Junior Camogie Championship Semi-Final. Photo by Laszlo Geczo/INPHO
C Fennell has noticed camogie developing in Laois. It provides a source of encouragement for the future. “The more exposure with anything, the more support you're going to get,” she says.
“It is phenomenal the last few years in Laois. I remember growing up, you only had four senior teams in the championship, but now new teams have come on and some clubs have second teams.
“So, you even have a junior as well as an intermediate in Laois. That is only in the last few years, but it shows the development of camogie in Laois. With the final coming up, younger girls will look at that, all they will want is a bit of that. Hopefully it will help to get more girls involved in Laois.”
Assisting the next generation in the O’Moore’s club is part of the remit. “If there is no development of Laois camogie, there won't be anything there in the next few years,” C Fennell adds.
“I just know when we won a county with our own club, we made sure to go around to all of the schools within our parish, to bring the cup around.
“It was just to get more interest with the girls, that starts at a young age. We did see with that new girls joined the club. So, it is great to see that numbers are growing.
“Obviously, the more girls we have will only boost our own club as well as our own county in the years to come, we want that.”