Search for fifth All-Ireland medal takes on extra meaning for multi-talented O'Reilly

The hunt for a fifth carries special motivation - and it ain’t back-to-back. Her granny, Mary O'Reilly, passed away in May. A constant supporter and spectator since starting out in maroon at U16.

Ailish O'Reilly of Galway in action against Angela Carroll of Kilkenny. Pic: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

April 12 was the afternoon Ailish O’Reilly’s 2026 sporting calendar switched and flipped. Not a seamless flip, mind. The fuel protests made sure of that.

When you’ve served for as long as O’Reilly and shown up as often as she has, no manager is going to demand you present yourself for the muck, rain, and cold of December and January pre-season slog.