All Ireland Preview: Meabh the force be with you!

It’s been a great first year as captain of the Cork camogie team for Meabh Cahalane.

The St Finbarr’s All-Star defender has led the Rebel County on an unstoppable championship march to this Sunday’s All-Ireland final showdown against Galway, as well has helping Cork secure their first league title since 2013.

The daughter of Cork footballing legend and former captain Niall Cahalane, Meabh was appointed as Cork captain back in February after her club won the 2024 Cork Senior Camogie Championship.

“Meabh is a huge role model certainly for our girls - someone to look up to,” said St Finbarr’s Chairperson Ken McCarthy.

“For every kid that comes down the ‘Barrs, while they want to play for the ‘Barrs, the other thing they want to do is play for Cork. That doesn't happen that easy.

“To be able to have one of your own as the captain is just fantastic,” he added.

Last year, Meabh was vice-captain for Cork in a season that ended with the Rebels’ second All-Ireland title on the trot despite a tough injury setback for the ‘Barrs defender. This year, as the team closes in on three titles in a row, Meabh’s experience and leadership qualities have been clear for all to see.

“She has loads of experience. She is a serial winner,” said Mr McCarthy.

“She gets that certainly from her family.”

They're all very competitive, they all compete at a very, very high level.

“For Meabh, watching her play with the Barrs and watching her play with Cork, I'd say she does all her talking on the pitch,” he added.

With Cork GAA fans still feeling the sting of the hurlers’ hefty All-Ireland final defeat last month, the pride of the county now falls on the women’s team and on the capable shoulders of Meabh Cahalane. Sunday will be the Cork camogie team’s fifth All-Ireland final appearance in a row and Galway’s second, having lost to Cork by a goal last year.

Mr McCarthy said: “I think what happened with the hurlers has softened everybody's cough.

“I think people are just a little bit more cautious in what they say.

“We expect Galway will be a tough opponent, it will be a tough battle,” he added.

As well as Maebh, the Barrs have four other players in the Cork squad: Aoife O'Neill, Sorcha McCartan, Kate Wall, and star forward Orlaith Cahalane, Meabh’s sister.

“We've always had a huge interest in Cork camogie because we've always had someone, whether it be players or management, we've always had some kind of involvement, but this year, it is that bit extra special,” said Mr McCarthy.

“Best case scenario for us in the Barrs would be if all five of our girls finish out. Now, I don't know how realistic that is. I might be asking too much!” he added.

Cork will take on Galway in the 2025 All-Ireland senior camogie championship final this Sunday at Croke Park with throw-in at 5.15pm.