Waterford got their All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship campaign off to a winning start with a 0-16 to 1-10 victory over Tipperary at Azzurri Walsh Park.
The Déise responded impressively to the disappointment of their recent Munster final defeat, and captain Beth Carton admitted afterwards that getting back to winning ways was a major objective heading into the game.
“It was important to get back to winning ways today,” said Carton. “The last two times we were out, we were in finals, and we didn’t get over the line, so it was nice to respond.”
Despite the victory, Carton was quick to highlight the quality of the Tipperary side and believes they will remain major contenders as the championship progresses.
“Tipperary are a serious side, and they will be back. I wouldn’t say it’s the last time we may meet them this summer. Today was just about getting over the line.”
Waterford carried the hurt of their Munster final loss into the championship opener and used the three-week break to reflect on what went wrong.
“The hardest thing was feeling that we didn’t perform,” Carton explained. “As sportspeople, every time you go out, you want to perform. We had time to look back, take a good look at ourselves, and see where we needed to improve.”
The new championship format means every result is crucial, with teams battling for top-two positions in the group standings.
“It’s very early days. These games are all about trying to finish in the top two. We know Tipperary will be back, but it’s lovely to get the win.”
One of the stars of the afternoon was Player of the Match Eimear O’Neill, who scored three points from play and played a key role in Waterford’s victory. Carton was full of praise for her young teammate.
“We see Eimear doing that week in, week out at training, so I’m not one bit surprised. She’s a phenomenal talent and still so young. The performance she put in today is something we’ve been seeing from her for a long time.”
Carton also found herself involved in a physical contest with Tipperary defender Amy Quinlivan and acknowledged the increasing challenges facing forwards in the modern game.
“The level is so high now, and the defenders are phenomenal players. Whoever is marking you is going to be a serious opponent. It was an honest battle today and one I’ll be feeling afterwards.”
Waterford’s focus now switches to another huge test with reigning All-Ireland champions Galway set to visit Walsh Park next weekend.
“The last time we played Galway was in the league final, so we’re looking forward to it. They’re the current All-Ireland champions and a phenomenal team. We know the challenge they’ll bring, but we’ll recover now and go again next week.”
After the disappointment of missing out on provincial silverware, Waterford could not have asked for a better start to their All-Ireland campaign, with a deserved victory providing both confidence and momentum ahead of the visit of the champions.
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