'She’s a magician': Camross boss hails Fitzgerald after starring in victory over Ballincollig

Camross manager Arien Delaney thought the turning point in his side's All-Ireland intermediate camogie final win against Ballincollig was the 10 minutes before half-time

Sun, 14 Dec, 2025 - 20:50

Therese O’Callaghan

Immense pride was the reaction of Camross camogie manager Arien Delaney, who also specifically acknowledged the heroic efforts of losing side Ballincollig, as both teams were looking to etch their name on the trophy for the first time.

“I’m so proud to be from Camross,” he said. “Emotions? As I said after the Leinster final, you couldn’t describe them. You can multiply that by infinity and you would only come close.

“So proud and privileged to be part of this group, it is a thrill and an honour.

“Commiserations to Ballincollig, they gave us one-hell of a battle. They were set up very smart - they were very, very good. The turning point, I think, was maybe the last 10 minutes before half-time when we got to grips with what they were doing.

“I felt at that stage we were creating a lot of half chances and once we got going in the second half, I thought we were well deserving winners. On saying that, again commiserations to Ballincollig, a fine team, a fine sporting game. They gave it everything, the same as ourselves.

“To win an All-Ireland, you are going to have to do that.”

It was that high-tempo first half from Ballincollig that sent Camross in at the break a point in arrears, 1-7 to 0-9.

“It was calm in the dressing-room. No point in roaring or bawling and wasting time. I explained the couple of areas we needed to improve on and where we needed to sharpen up in the backs.

“Where we needed to try and draw Ballincollig out of the centre and hit them. In fairness, those girls follow instructions so well. They are brilliant girls to work with.”

It was an extra-special day for the manager, as he achieved success with his two daughters Gráinne and Luisne on the field of play.

“I’m delighted for the two girls, they have to listen to me all their life, which is not easy. They got their just rewards today. Aoife Collier (captain) and Aimée Collier are cousins as well.”

And it was one of the county’s longest-serving players Sarah-Anne Fitzgerald (1-7) who got the last word.

“At half time, I just put my hand on her shoulder and she just looked at me with a glint in her eye. You know when you get that off her what’s coming next, and by God, did she give it.

“Age-wise, we’ll say she is 21 plus the vat!

“She’s a magician. Whatever she turns her hand to, it works. Skill, finesse, she has it all. Camross are so blessed to have someone like Sarah.”