Last year counts for nothing now - that’s the defiant message of Waterford Camogie captain Lorraine Bray ahead of Sunday’s Munster Final meeting of the Deise and Cork.
It’s less than twelve months since Cork inflicted a 5-13 to 0-09 defeat of Waterford in the All-Ireland decider - but the gap between the sides was far shorter when they met in the league recently, with a solitary goal proving the difference.
Bray believes there should be no reasons for Waterford to be fearful when making the trip to Thurles for their first provincial final since 1968.
“I think we showed up in the League against Cork and we put what happened last year in the All-Ireland Final to bed that day and came out and gave a great performance and we're just unlucky not to have come away with the result in the end, but look we've been training hard and we're looking forward, we've no fear going into it and we'll be giving it everything on Sunday.”
Waterford have gone toe-to-toe with the country’s best so far this season, having been promoted to Division 1A last year. The Deise held their own with victories against Tipperary and Clare. Bray says playing a higher standard of opposition will only stand to the Deise going forward.
“100% - I suppose that was one of the big goals from last year was to get up to the Division 1A and look, we were relishing those league games and you need those challenges, you need that high standard. If you want to be trying to reach All-Ireland finals again, that's what you have to be building towards and playing those top championship teams.”
What would it mean to Lorraine Bray and Waterford to win a Munster final? - It’s hard to put into words. The Cappoquin star thinks back to those before her, who have foraged the pathway for those of the future.
“I think it would be a fantastic achievement - like especially even thinking of girls gone by and where previous players have brought Waterford Camogie and I think a lot of the girls on the panel now, you know, we've drove it on the last few years and have brought it to new heights and it would just be a fantastic achievement. Again, I suppose we’ll enjoy the day, but be focusing straight away for the All-Ireland series - first focus anyway is the Munster final and hopefully we'll be coming out of there with a win.”
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