Waterford captain Lorraine Bray says excitement is building ahead of today’s National Camogie League Division 1A Final, as the Déise prepare for a historic clash with Galway.
It marks a first-ever appearance at this stage for Waterford, with Bray admitting the occasion is huge not just for the panel, but for camogie in the county.
“Look, it’s massive,” she said. “It’s our first one, so there has been great excitement around the last few weeks. You’re trying to keep the head down and prepare as best you can, but in the back of your mind, the chance of being in a Division 1A final is huge.”
Waterford’s journey to the final has been built on consistency and resilience, with Bray pointing to their ability to grind out results in tight games as a key factor.
“Finishing out those close games has been a big focus for us,” she explained. “When there’s only a couple of points in it, being able to hold a lead and come away with the win has stood to us throughout the league.”
The Déise impressed throughout the campaign with wins over the likes of Kilkenny, Cork, and today’s opponents, Galway, finishing comfortably in the top two to secure their final spot.
Bray also highlighted the strength in depth within the squad this year, with several new and returning players making a significant impact.
“At this level, you need that depth,” she said. “The competition in training has really gone up a level. There’s no complacency in the group, and everyone is fighting for places, which is exactly what you want.”
Standing in their way today are reigning All-Ireland champions Galway, a side Waterford know well and one they have already beaten in this year’s league.
Despite that, Bray is under no illusions about the challenge ahead.
“We’ve no doubt what Galway are going to bring. They’re such a physical team and always a tough test. We’ve had a lot of close games with them, so we know what to expect,” she said.
“There’s great belief in our group now, and that fear factor is gone. It’s about trusting ourselves and putting in a big performance.”
Bray also paid tribute to manager Mick Boland and his backroom team for creating a professional and focused environment.
“He’s taken a lot of pressure off the players with all the work that goes on behind the scenes. Everything is well organised, and it allows us to just focus on playing.”
While the prospect of captaining Waterford to a first Division 1A title is a historic opportunity, Bray insists the focus remains firmly on performance.
“It would be a huge honour, there’s no denying that,” she said. “But you can’t look too far ahead. The most important thing is that we put in a performance we can be proud of, whether we win or lose.”
Throw-in for today’s National Camogie League Division 1A Final between Waterford and Galway is at 2:15 pm in Nowlan Park.
Tómas McCarthy and Tara Power have all the commentary from 2 pm as Waterford take on Galway in the Senior Camogie Division 1A League Final — LIVE on WLR – Brought to you by Sun Life…….Life’s brighter under the sun.
