All Ireland preview: Hunger crucial for Cork, says former captain

“Twice I was in the position of three in a row and lost it both times and the reason was that, even though we thought we were hungry for it, our play proved that we weren't.”

The experienced words of former Cork camogie captain and county legend Linda Mellerick ahead of this Sunday’s senior camogie All-Ireland final between Cork and Galway.

Cork go into the clash as favourites and a win would make it three titles back-to-back for the Rebel County, but Galway, who Cork beat by a goal in last year’s final, are bound to put up a serious fight, said Linda.

Though she does predict another Cork win, Linda said it will all come down to hunger on the day, and if Cork don’t have it, Galway will surely pounce.

She said: “Complacency can creep in even when you think it's not there. I wouldn't even call it complacency – it's hunger/desire. It's there or it's not.

“All-Ireland final day can pass you by if you're not careful. You're there but at the same time it's like you're on the outside looking in. No matter how well prepared the team is, it's up to each individual to bring a burning intensity and desire to the pitch and fight for every ball.

“Yes, I predict a Cork win but as we've seen, particularly over the past few weeks, predictions can make us look foolish.

“I think it'll be a close contest as Galway always raise their game against Cork,” added Linda.

She also said the prospect of winning three titles in a row will not add any extra pressure at all to the Cork players.

“I'm sure the players, while aware of it, aren't even thinking about it. What it can do is reduce your hunger. If Cork can bring the same hunger that they brought to, for example, the 2023 final which was their first title in five years, then I believe they'll win,” said Linda.

With both sides being very strong defensively, the former midfielder feels Cork should have the edge up front with an average of 31 points per game over Galway’s average of 22 in this year’s championship.

With that said, Linda, who captained Cork to All-Ireland glory in 1993 and 1997, said the Rebels need to guard against overdoing the passing as they come out of defence and around the middle of the park.

She said: “Galway will hound Cork when in possession. They are going in as underdogs and will fight tooth and nail. Cork have a very pacey forward line so give them the ball quickly.”

As the players prepare mentally and physically for Sunday’s game, Linda stressed how important for them to enjoy the build-up.

“It's a big day, it's what players play for. It's a day when you really need to perform and therefore trying to block out the fact that it's such a big day is the wrong approach, but so is becoming too consumed by it,” she advised.

Looking back, Linda describes her own approach to big games as “a disaster” by today's scientific standards.

“I was so nervous the morning of the game, I rarely ate,” she said.

“I used to get so nervous that I'd say to myself, ‘this is the last time I’m putting myself through this’. But of course, once you're out having your warm up, you're fine.

“Each player is different. I remember sitting across from Cora Keohane one morning while she tucked into a large Irish breakfast and I was green,” she added.

St Finbarr's player Meabh Cahalane, daughter of former Cork football captain Niall Cahalane, was named Cork captain in February and Linda shared a message especially for her ahead of Sunday.

“Ah those days and moments are ones to treasure. It's only when you retire that you appreciate how much they really mean. Live in the moment. Feel the moment. Grab the opportunity,” she said.