Winning ways: Karen Atkinson

KAREN ATKINSON captained Wexford’s 2012 three-in-a-row All-Ireland winning camogie team last month and says the side’s performance was one to be remembered.

“Everyone was really committed.

“We knew we had the players to put in the performance. Everyone really pushed — the effort was amazing.”

Of her own performance, the 25-year-old says: “I started off a bit nervous. Things didn’t run my way but things got better coming into the second half.

Karen has a degree in business and accounting and her aim is to be a teacher. She lives with her parents near Enniscorthy. Her boyfriend, Michael Sinnott, also plays GAA — he’s an intermediate goalie and subgoalie for his club Oulart-The Ballagh in Wexford.

What shape are you in?

I’d like to think I’m in good shape. I do three training sessions every week and I try to go to the gym at least once a week.

Do you have any health concerns?

I tore my cruciate ligament 13 minutes into the 2010 All-Ireland final against Galway. I got tangled up with another player and fell heavily on my right knee. I knew the minute I hit the ground something was wrong. I was told I needed an operation but I’ve done lots of training and exercise to build up the muscle. I was heavily strapped for this year’s All-Ireland final but that was more as a precaution than anything else. Thankfully, my knee’s good now.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

I like fruit and vegetables and I eat lots of protein — chicken, ham, eggs, cheese. I eat nuts — almonds, cashews. I’d have just one slice of bread a day and one potato.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

Biscuits and crisps would be my worst habits. When you’re in the championship season, you don’t eat much bad stuff. I find foods like these give you false energy — after a while you go into a lull and it can really bring you down a bit.

What would keep you awake at night?

I’m probably an anxious person so any little thing niggling away – like a job interview. My sister’s getting married soon so I’ll probably be awake the night before. And the night before an All-Ireland, I’d be thinking about it, going over it in my head.

How do you relax?

Being on my own, whether in the living room or my bedroom, and taking deep breaths.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

I’d love to have a conversation with Katie Taylor – she’s a great role model for women.

What’s your favourite smell?

Fantasy — the perfume by Britney Spears. I love that really sweet smell.

When did you last cry?

I cried a little when the whistle blew on All-Ireland day. I was so shocked that we’d won three times in a row and that I was captain. I couldn’t believe it so I had a little cry to myself.

What would you change about your appearance?

I’d like to have nice sleek hair. I’ve got kind of frizzy hair — when I get out of the shower, it’s like a frizz-ball.

What trait do you least like in others?

Falseness, saying things behind someone’s back while being nice to their face.

What trait do you least like in yourself ?

People probably think I have an abundance of confidence but I can get very nervous doing interviews so I’d like more confidence around that.

Do you pray?

I go to Mass every weekend. If I miss it, I feel guilty. It’s not often that I’d miss Mass – it’s usually because I’ve had a match or I’ve been out late the night before.

What would cheer up your day?

Knowing I’ve helped somebody else have a happier day.