Son Fionn now a special part of Niamh Kilkenny's Galway journey
Galway’s Niamh Kilkenny in action against Tipperary. Pic: ©INPHO/Bryan Keane
A picture-perfect scene in the middle of Nowlan Park. Niamh Kilkenny, wearing the broadest of smiles at having secured a ninth All-Ireland camogie final involvement, is handed her nine-month-old son, Fionn, by husband Cyril.
Middle-third agitator. White flag maker. Mother. Niamh’s plate has swelled since last she stood on the Nowlan Park sod, and yet her dependability and driving runs have not dulled or dimmed.
Niamh Kilkenny has been standing within the four white lines of Nowlan Park on All-Ireland camogie semi-final afternoon for over half her life now. Her debut season in maroon was 2006. She was introduced with two minutes remaining in the semi-final defeat to Cork. She was only 17.
Eighteen years on - and three All-Ireland medals, seven All-Stars, and one player of the year award later - the now 35-year-old mammy is still showing up in maroon. In Saturday’s come-from-behind semi-final triumph over Tipp, she delivered the opening score and assisted a further 1-1. A contribution all the more impressive considering the year of change she’s had.
When news surfaced last year that Kilkenny would miss the 2023 season because she was expecting her first child, the expectation was that we had seen the last of her in maroon. As her honours list makes abundantly clear, she had won all there was to be won and had nothing left to prove.
But it wasn’t the possibility of further silverware that brought her back, it was the simple enjoyment she derives from a game she has long elegantly dominated.
“Cathal [Murray] contacted me at the start of the year. I was thankful of that, that he had that belief in me to come back in,” said Niamh.
“I wasn't too sure if I'd be able to give something. I thought about it for a while and said I would go back because I just enjoy playing so much, I love the social aspect of it. I've had great days down through the years, and just said I would give it one more shot.”
Watching on from the stand and couch last year, Kilkenny never fully retired herself. Even with the new addition of baby Fionn, the gear bag was never fully zipped shut. Unused, but not discarded.
“Last year, I knew I had different focuses ahead of me. I was of course watching the games, so it must have been in the back of my mind as to whether I could go again. Thankfully, I was given the opportunity and it is great to be going back to Croke Park.
“It is special to have Fionn there at the final whistle. It will be lovely to look back on this and to have had him part of this journey. It’s very enjoyable.”
Kilkenny’s return to action was against the county they must try and live with in the August 11 decider. Introduced with seven minutes remaining in the final round league clash at the end of March, Niamh was five months after giving birth. Galway won 0-14 to 0-9. Cork haven’t been beaten since.
“It is always your aim at the start of the year to be part of the All-Ireland final. We are there now, but we know we have things to work on. We'll regroup this week and look forward to Cork in an All-Ireland final.
“Last year, it was disappointing for the team not to come out on top against Cork in the semi-final. Channelled that hurt from last year and everyone stood up here against Tipp, girls that came in from the bench too. Everyone worked so hard and just delighted to come out on top.”
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