Waterford Senior Camogie boss Sean Power is determined to go one step further and deliver a maiden All-Ireland title back to the Déise, following this weekend’s historic scenes at Nowlan Park.
The Déise ladies are into their first All-Ireland decider since all the way back to 1945, when they lost out to Antrim in Cappoquin 78 years ago.
Having defeated Tipperary by a point in a titanic tussle, an emotional Power told WLR Sport that now they’ve had the feeling of getting there, the squad know that they have all the ability to go one better and to cement their place in camogie folklore.
“It’s a long time isn’t it, 78 years”, said Power.
“It means the world. It means everything to me - and I’m saying it with months, they’re some bunch to work with. They deserve every inch of it. All the heartache of other semi-final and quarter-final defeats. they deserve every bit of it and it means so much to me and to them.”
Waterford found themselves trailing by 1-7 to 0-3 midway through the first half when Cáit Devane broke through to drive home the game’s opening goal, but Power was always assured that his side would hit a purple patch and regain the momentum.
“You know what Tipperary are going to bring in an All-Ireland semi-final and it’s going to be an incredibly difficult task to beat them. It always is”, said Power.
“We knew that they were going to come at us with everything and we knew that they were going to get scores. 20 minutes on the clock, they’re 1-7 to 0-3 up, but there’s 40 minutes left like. That’s the way we approach the game. It’s always about the next ball, the next challenge, the next opportunity - and then we got our patch. We kicked on from there as well. Beth Carton was incredible, I thought the half back line battled away very well. They showed what they’re made of. That determination, that drive, what a group of athletes - they’re brilliant.”
Power expressed his thanks on behalf of the team to the droves of support that made their way to Nowlan Park to cheer on the side.
“It was fantastic”, said the Déise boss. “The chants of Waterford on a sticky day in horrendous conditions for both teams, and when it was nip and tuck - that cheer from a sideline or stand will push you that little bit further. Family and friends and all that support and they know what the players go through to get to this level with all the hard training, the heartaches and the defeats, it means a lot to them as well. We are incredibly grateful for the people who came to support us.”
Upon taking up the role, former minor and U-21 All-Ireland winning manager Power stated that his goal was to bring back the ultimate prize and to win the All-Ireland. Waterford are now just an hour of play away from doing exactly that, and the manager is confident that his side have more than enough ability to seize the holy grail.
“I’m confident, because I wouldn’t be in the position if I wasn’t confident”, he said.
“Is it going to be easy? I said it before this one, Jesus no - it’s going to be very difficult. Have we the players and the ability to do it? Yes we do. How hard is it going to be? Possibly the hardest thing that they have ever done in sport. That’s how hard it is. We’re in a good position now. We’ll get back to work and get our homework done and see where it takes us.”
“We talk about this thing - a legacy. About leaving the game in a place where young kids want to put on that jersey. These girls are very open and frank about where they want to leave Waterford camogie when they’re done. To have that support from all those young girls out there today, getting into an All-Ireland final is only going to push this game on further in our county. That’s exactly what we want. This group are an incredible bunch of role models.”
Power admits that the build-up to the final on August 6th versus Cork is likely to be hectic, but while focusing on the job at hand, he will also allow his side to bask in the sense of occasion.
“We’re going to enjoy it, we’re going to look forward to it. We’ve a lot of work to do, the next step in terms of climbing mountains is the biggest one. We have the capability to do it. Will we do it? I don’t know. We’ll try to do it.”
