Róisín Black preparing for another Croke Park final
Galway's Róisín Black 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
“We haven't been there since '21, we are one step closer now to achieving our goal,” Galway captain Róisín Black says about making a welcome return to the Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Senior Camogie Final.
Sunday’s encounter against a highly regarded Cork outfit will be a significant test for Galway, who demonstrated admirable battling qualities in the penultimate round.
Galway finished with a real flourish to edge out Tipperary at UPMC Nowlan Park. “We were down a few points with five minutes to go, so to win it by one shows great character and experience from our girls,” Black reflects.
“It was a great win, we will be bringing that belief and confidence with us now into the final.”
Manager Cathal Murray has occupied a central role in the Galway camogie story during the past decade. “We've had him for a good few years now, what he has achieved with us is great,” Black says.
“He has instilled that belief in us, he has really made us want it even more. The competition and the level of training has been huge. In fairness to him, he really has brought us all along. Galway camogie is in a better place because of him.”
Black is delighted with Oranmore-Maree’s development in all codes. “Oranmore-Maree really is growing, we will hopefully have the Renville Sportsgrounds now in the next few years,” Black says about the prospect of new facilities in the area.
Ailish O'Reilly and Roisín Black following Galway's Glen Dimplex Senior Camogie All-Ireland Championship quarter-final win over Waterford at Croke Park. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile
“That will be huge for the club. The underage has been very successful, even our own camogie club has been very successful.
"I'm a teacher in the local primary school, so I can see first hand the impact the GAA has on all of them, and how they are all driving on.”
As a teacher Black acknowledges the relevance of sport for younger people. “I find sport very beneficial - outside of the sport too, even for your work too,” Black responds.
“You can see the children that are outside training, they are even more tuned in and attentive in school. They aren't on the technology.
“It is a great way for them to socialise and to meet friends, to get out into the fresh air. They are learning new skills and the competitiveness, it really does stand to them.
“The girls and boys love playing sport, you get many benefits. You notice the ones that are mad at it the whole time, it is huge for them, the children. They really do develop as young women and young men from it.”
Black sat in the same seats as them growing up. Now, she is contributing for Galway on the grand Croke Park stage.