By Cian O’Connell

As a schoolteacher in Dunboyne, Ellen Burke knows all about the value of planning.

Sport, though, occupies a central role in her life so to be preparing for an All-Ireland Intermediate Camogie decider at Croke Park is a joy. Meath’s encounter with Derry carries intrigue, but embracing the occasion is crucial.

“It is fantastic, it is where every player wants to be, and I suppose the two performances we put in for the quarter-final and semi-final, we feel we are in a great vein of form,” Burke says. “We are definitely excited for the task ahead.

“These are the moments everybody is playing for when they take to the pitch. It is that feeling afterwards, you are trying to chase that again.

“Being able to enjoy it with family and friends that are there, the people who follow us around the country, that is fantastic. You see the emotion that we feel, you can see it reflected in their faces. It is a special time.”

Undoubtedly operating at inter-county level is a significant commitment, but Burke simply relishes representing Meath. “Definitely,” she responds instantly.

“It is something that has been referenced here this morning, we wouldn't be doing this, it doesn't feel like a sacrifice or a commitment. I'm a school teacher, my summers are dedicated to camogie, I wouldn't change it because we know that we play inter-county camogie for such a limited time.

“We want to grasp all the opportunities you have with both hands, you go to training, it is an outlet. When you see the girls, the camaraderie that is there, you have no second guessing about why you do it.”

Meath ladies footballers dramatic and rapid rise is well documented. Can that story act as an inspiration? “They are a credit to themselves for everything they have done for ladies football,” Burke says.

“I suppose camogie has played second fiddle to ladies football in the last number of years, it is time for us to put camogie on the map.

“You have clubs being set up across Meath which is fantastic to see, in terms of looking for inspiration from the ladies footballers, we don't have to look any further than Aoife Minogue - our dual player, an absolute powerhouse.

“At grassroots there is a lot being done with development across the county, setting up camogie clubs. You will see people playing both at nursery level.

“Once they enter their teenage years you do see a lot more goals going with the football. That is fair enough with the success they have enjoyed, but we are trying to stand up, to be somewhat of role models next week when we take the field.”

Assisting the next generation and trying to ensure Meath remain relevant. Burke wouldn’t have it any other way.