It’s time to look at another one of our Senior stars that will be lining out for their county during this year’s Liberty Insurance All-Ireland Camogie Championships. For this, we head to Waterford and their sharpshooter Beth Carton.
The 2018 All-Stars corner-forward is becoming a household name in Camogie due to her prolific scoring prowess on the field of play. Against all calibre of opposition, Carton is a deadly weapon for the Déise, with her career starting at a very young age.
"I first started playing hurling with the lads in the club when I was four. As soon as I could walk my dad had a hurley in my hand. I played with the lads until I was about 12 when the club started its first Camogie team.”
Since then the De La Salle star has gone from strength to strength, establishing her place on the county team and continuing the hard work and commitment needed for a successful county career. The work paid off, resulting in special memories with the county panel.
“My fondest memory in Camogie was winning the Intermediate Championship Final in 2015. This was Waterford’s first time to get to Senior level, so it was certainly a fond memory.
“Qualifying for the Senior Quarter-Final last year is certainly another great memory of mine in a Waterford jersey.”
When it comes to role models, it is easy to look across the water at various international sports stars in any sporting code, however for Carton her idols are Irish based heroes in different codes.
“Katie Taylor would be a great female role model of mine. What she has done for female sport has been phenomenal and something to certainly look at. John Mullane is another great role model for me. To see what he has done for his county and what he is still giving back to his club De La Salle is amazing.”
Like everything, preparation and routine are key and this is no different for the Waterford ace, especially in the lead up to an important match.
“My diet wouldn’t change too much the week before a big match. I try keep it as consistent as possible throughout. Trying to get the correct food in and have a routine. Training would be a lot of sharp stuff, hurling wall, practicing frees, etc. It is important to keep fresh and sharp.”
With Senior intercounty Camogie comes the pressure of playing against not only the best teams, but also the best defenders in the game and Carton knows that feeling all too well. For her, “Pamela Mackey and Collette Dormer would certainly be two of the toughest” she has faced with both being well recognised names in the sport.
Looking to this year’s summer months, the challenge continues for Waterford as the games come thick and fast in the weeks ahead.
“I think all teams will create a challenge in their own way. It is a very close contest week after week therefore each game and each team create new challenges that must be prepared and dealt with. All teams will create a challenge in their own unique way.”
The scoring star is relishing the challenges ahead, having learned from the fixtures in the early months of the year in the Division 1 National League.
“As a team we have learned the system of play that we believe suits us best. The league also provides an excellent reminder of the level we need to get to and what we have to do to get there.”
Waterford get their Liberty Insurance Senior All-Ireland Championship campaign off to a start on the road against Tipperary in The Ragg on Saturday June 15th.
Saturday June 15th
Liberty Insurance All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship
Group 1
Galway v Kilkenny, Kenny Park, Athenry @ 5pm
Referee: Cathal Egan (Cork)
Limerick v Offaly, Gaelic Grounds @ 5pm
Referee: Fintan McNamara (Clare)
Group 2
Clare v Cork, Sixmilebridge GAA @ 5pm
Referee: Ray Kelly (Kildare)
Dublin v Meath, Parnells GAA @ 5pm
Referee: Owen Elliot (Antrim)
Tipperary v Waterford, The Ragg @ 5pm
Referee: Andrew Larkin (Cork)
Liberty Insurance All-Ireland Intermediate Camogie Championship
Group 1
Cork v Kilkenny, Cork Camogie Grounds @ 5pm
Referee: Mike Ryan (Tipperary)
Galway v Antrim, Kenny Park, Athenry @ 3pm
Referee: Alan Doheny (Laois)
Kildare v Westmeath, St. Conleth’s Park, Newbridge @ 5pm
Referee: Philip McDonald (Cavan)
Group 2
Carlow v Wexford, Netwatch Cullen Park @ 5pm
Referee: Gavin Donegan (Dublin)
Derry v Laois, Swatragh @ 5pm
Referee: Paul Ryan (Kildare)
Tipperary v Down, The Ragg @ 3pm
Referee: John McDonagh (Galway)
#GoTogether
