'We wanted to get over the line for her': McCartan says Cork won All-Ireland for teammate after father's passing

RIP: A view of a memorial for John Egan ahead of the match. Pic: ©INPHO/Ben Brady

Sorcha McCartan admitted Cork wanted to win the All-Ireland camogie title for their teammate Aisling Egan, whose father passed recently.

The Rebels reclaimed the O’Duffy Cup with a narrow victory over Galway at Croke Park on Sunday, just two weeks after John Egan’s tragic passing, which also came just 24 hours after the Rebels booked their place in the final with victory over Tipperary.

And speaking to RTÉ shortly after full time, McCartan, who is also a clubmate with Aisling at St Finbarr’s, where John served as camogie chairman, insisted Cork were extra determined to secure the silverware.

“There was a lot on the line today, it's the last game of the season, but we obviously had a bit of motivation with Aisling Egan, unfortunately her father passing. I think that actually bonded us more a bit and we wanted to get one over the line for her today, so I'm so happy,” said McCartan, who was asked about the effort her teammates put.

“I think we've done that all year but sometimes it just wasn't paying off. We always put in the same amount of effort, just as the year went on, we bonded so well.

“As I said before, the young girls kind of struggled. I suppose we kept saying about how we weren't hitting the heights that we should be, and they were kind of wondering ‘well, like, we're trying our best here.’

“It just took time, and it took time to bond, and just build that cohesion within the group, and look, everyone, they're all brilliant girls, we're all happy as Larry.

“But when we go to train, we train hard, and we hit each other just as we would if they were a Galway woman.

“We just drove each other on, and look, I'm speechless, to be honest with you. I can't believe we got over the line today.”

Sorcha McCartan admitted Cork wanted to win the All-Ireland camogie title for their teammate Aisling Egan, whose father passed recently. Pic: Paul Phelan/Sportsfile

As for Ashling Thompson, who has now won a staggering seven All-Ireland camogie titles, she believes this triumph is up there with the best she has enjoyed.

“Oh God, it's definitely up there anyway I'd say. Well, hard-fought battle, I think the year itself took a story of its own,” said the 36-year-old.

I had some trouble in the league and Munster but what way these girls built themselves over the championship campaign and that semi-final as well.

Galway fought back today, but to get there and dog it out in the end just shows the character of this team and what exceptional players they are.

I've played with some exceptional players over the years. Luckily, I've been there through a few generations now at this stage so I'm exceptionally fortunate.

“But at the end of the day it's all about now and it's definitely up there. How hard the girls worked all year, it's just been unbelievable.

Asked if the injuries Thompson was carrying in recent weeks could’ve seen her miss out on this decider, the Milford maestro was emphatic.

“Absolutely not. I was feeling the hamstring and the calf, but I knew I'd be able to manage it over the two-week period, and I got here today, and I wasn't going to let it go.”