Athenry’s Katie O’Dwyer on Sunday’s club final

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IT IS busy times for Katie O’Dwyer. The UCD student was present in Croke Park on Tuesday to collect her 3^rd level Bursary award from Camogie President Joan O’Flynn and CCAO President Lynn Kelly. However, that was just one day in what has become a busy few months for the 18-year-old Athenry player.

“”It is great to be facing into the All Ireland final,”” says Katie, as she prepares to do battle with Munster champions Cashel at the weekend. “”I suppose there is always a fear of how you will do. We met Cashel two years ago in the final and that was a very disappointing result for us. They beat us well on the day.

“”But we have come a long way since then. I think we are more rounded now. We have had losses but I feel we are able to make up for those losses now on the field of play. We have trained hard and have put in a lot of work ahead of the final.

“”We were beaten last year by Drom & Inch in the All Ireland semi-final and they were in turn defeated by O’Donovan Rossa in the final. So, we would have to say last year was not a good year for us.””

Despite the inclement weather which is making life difficult for the Galway girls, O’Dwyer who could be marking her name sake Una O’Dwyer at some stage on Sunday says there is a great buzz amidst the big build up.

“”Yeah, there is great excitement around the place. It has been difficult trying to get to training with the weather being so bad, but there is a great spirit in the camp and we are looking forward to the big day.””

Other than the ’07 defeat, 1985 was the last appearance for Athenry in the final. Prior to that they won the Bill Carroll Cup in 1977. They are without the services of Jessica Gill who is absent with a long term injury, and Deirdre Ward who is also getting treatment.

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