Danielle O'Leary vowed to return after 'heartbreaking' All-Ireland camogie final loss to Offaly

Danielle O'Leary. Pic: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

Danielle O’Leary will play football and camogie for Kerry this season after a few years away from the latter sport at inter-county level.

The 2024 All-Ireland football winner and All-Star was a spectator at Croke Park when Kerry lost last year’s All-Ireland intermediate camogie final to Offaly. She was “heartbroken” for her old teammates and vowed then she could no longer sit on the sidelines.

“The last time I played camogie, I actually broke my jaw,” O’Leary explained.

“I took that as a sign really to give it up for the year. I suppose it was harder playing college football and college camogie as well. This year when I'm out of college I have the chance to play both.

“What really changed my mind was seeing the camogie girls playing Offaly last year and I was absolutely gutted for them. I had it in my head straight after that I can't stay in the stand anymore watching them play. I'm going to give it the best shot I can.

“To be fair to both management teams, they're very understanding and that's what you need. I need my two managers to be side by side with me in whatever choices I make.” O’Leary said the support from her camogie teammates made the decision easier.

“To be fair to the camogie girls, they said, ‘Come back in any shape or form, we would love to see you back.’ They're very supportive of me playing football as well. I think every single one of them came up to that All-Ireland final in 2024 - that's the friends you need and that's the teammates you need. They're always there for me through thick and thin.” 

O’Leary believes the integration of the Camogie Association, LGFA and GAA would be “absolutely brilliant” for dual players.

“I think for spectators as well, people can't be expected to decide between a camogie game and a football game in one day,” she said.

“In terms of fixtures, it will 100% help. Hopefully, the sooner the better. But when you don't hear much talk about it any more, it's probably not a good sign.” 

 O’Leary was coy when asked if she’d had any offers from AFLW teams but did reveal: “Personally, it's just not the right time to go over. I have too much here to stay for. And like I said, with the camogie, with the football, I definitely have plans for next year at home.”