‘The girls deserve a break’: Camogie managers call for team holiday fund for finalists

Galway manager Cathal Murray has urged the Camogie Association to create a dedicated fund for the All-Ireland finalists' team holidays, drawing a parallel with the financial support given to senior football and hurling finalists by the GAA. Murray expressed frustration that camogie teams, despite reaching the highest level of the sport, must resort to public fundraising, including collecting donations at club matches, to finance celebratory trips.

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I think Cork and Galway have been unbelievable the last three years, and they’ve brought camogie to a different level.

"I think these girls deserve [better], they don’t need to go collecting money in the next few weeks to go on a holiday," Murray stated, emphasizing the disparity in support. He pointed out that while integration and closing the gap between sports are discussed, tangible financial support for players remains lacking. Murray suggested that a modest contribution of €20,000 to €25,000 would significantly benefit the teams.

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When we won the All-Ireland last year, we were out fundraising, the same when we won the All-Ireland in 2019 – going around to club matches with buckets, asking people for fivers, asking people for tenners, asking people for change.

Cork manager Ger Manley fully supported Murray's call, acknowledging the players' hard work and dedication. "Oh, totally. I suppose we’re lucky enough with the sponsors we get, but I’d agree that the girls deserve a break," Manley commented. Both managers underscored the intense competition and high standard of play between Galway and Cork in recent finals, with matches often decided by a single point, highlighting the players' commitment.

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I think these girls deserve [better], they don’t need to go collecting money in the next few weeks to go on a holiday.

Manley also provided insight into Cork's tactical approach during the final, revealing their strategy to prevent Galway from scoring goals while aiming to score themselves. He noted the defensive strength of his team, having conceded only one goal throughout the championship. The Cork manager emphasized the advantage gained by maintaining possession in the opposition's half, a tactic facilitated by their strong forward line.

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I think camogie deserves some money to be put into a fund for a holiday for the players, and not to have them go out raising money over the next few weeks.