Eimear Heffernan excited by Tipperary’s potential
Tipperary Camogie player Eimear Heffernan is excited by the progress they have made heading into the 2025 season.
The Tipperary forward has been key for the Premier county as they reached the All-Ireland semi-finals, where they were narrowly defeated by Galway.
Heffernan admitted it was hard to get over a second straight semi-final defeat, but looks at the positives in another season where Tipperary impressed.
Heffernan has been key to Tipperary’s progress, and is encouraged by the what is coming through the underage system in the county.
“There is momentum every year, last year we lost by a point, it could’ve went any way.
“Even this year we’ve more players in the squad, a few of the minors, who won the All-Ireland last year, and a few of the junior team that won the All-Ireland, too.
“That has brought a bit of freshness, driving us on at training. It is positive at the moment.
“We’ve a good few players coming up each year. It is good getting them in as soon as possible after minor, developing them.
“Even this year, the players coming in, they’re not just happy being there, they want to maximise their potential, to get close to it, to try to make the team.”
For Heffernan, improving on the small aspects of the game has been crucial.
“I think we have just progressed in the little things. We have made sure we stayed consistent and looking for an extra few percentages in some aspects.
“Our main goal is to stay consistent in what we are doing and keep the basics right, and usually that gets us the performance we want.”
2024 saw an exciting Camogie championship, which saw Cork claim their second successive title.
While they look to be favourites to win their third straight title, it has become clear the championship has is becoming more open.
For the UCC student, this can only be a good thing for young fans of the game.
“The last few years you’ve had Galway, Cork, and Kilkenny. I think each year there is always another team that are matching up and improving every year.
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“It inspires a lot of young girls, seeing how far their county is going. It is painting a good picture for camogie in different counties too.”
Heffernan looked back at how she was inspired as a child when she went to her first game, and she stressed the importance of role models for young players.
“I think I was U13, so I was about 12 or so. It was Cork versus Tipperary in a Munster final in Cashel, I remember Cáit Devane playing, she was taking frees.
“It inspired me. I just wanted to be out there when I was older, I wanted to be representing my county like that.”
Sourse: breakingnews.ie