Jane Adams | Veronica Curtin | Claire Doherty | Mags D'Arcy
Aisling Diamond | Shónagh Enright | Jessica Gill | Fiona Hahnefeld | Mary Lacey Ciara Lucey | Therese Maher | Mairin McAleenan | Eimear McDonnell
Sinéad Millea | Niamh Mulcahy | Eileen O'Brien | Mary O'Connor
Una O'Donaghue | Una O'Dwyer | Imelda Kennedy | Catherine O'Loughlin
Jen O'Leary | Joanne Ryan | Marie Dargan | Sinéad Cahalan
Tina Hannon | Trish Jackman
Aisling Diamond is one of the top players on the inter-county camogie scene. Since bursting onto the panel in 2006, it has been a meteoric rise for the Bellaghy star. Her outstanding performances have been the difference between winning and losing on many occasions.
2007 was a landmark year for Aisling and her Oak Leaf County team-mates. After defeat to the Dubs in 2006, they finally captured the All-Ireland Junior Championship last September, beating Clare in a sensational game. It was extra special for Aisling, who scored 3 crucial points from play and added a goal in injury-time to win the day for Derry. To top off a fantastic year, she was picked on the All-Star camogie team at half-forward.
2008 sees Derry stepping up a level to play Intermediate camogie. “We want to compete at a higher level now” says Aisling. Having reached the National League Div 2 final already this year, their prospects at the highest level look bright.
What has been your greatest moment in sport?
Winning the All-Ireland Junior title with Derry last September was by far the highlight for me. I scored 1-03 on the day so it was extra special. Also, to win Derry’s first camogie All-Star Award was a great honour.
Who are the toughest teams in camogie?
At our level I’d have to say that Clare are the toughest team. We got the better of them in the Junior final last year but they beat us this year in the National League Div 2 final. In Ulster, it would have to be Down.
Who are the toughest players you have played against?
Down’s Fionnuala Carr and Derry midfielder Gráinne McGoldrick.
Which player do you admire the most?
I’m a big fan of Antrim’s Jane Adams - she is an all-rounder with buckets of talent.
Who was your childhood hero?
I was a big fan of Karen Rafferty and Eimear Lee. They both played for Derry, and Karen was the Player of the Match when they beat Cork to win the All-Ireland Junior title back in 2000. My mum also played camogie and she inspired and helped me a lot to be the player I am today.
What club do you play for and who are your biggest rivals?
I play with Bellaghy and Lavey would be our biggest rivals on the Derry scene.
What’s the most important skill, in your opinion?
Blocking and hooking. That is the bread and butter of camogie and is the foundation that success is built upon.
What advice would you give to young players?
Always enjoy your sport, whatever it is. Be committed and give it your all.
What are your hopes for the future?
After winning the Junior last year we are stepping up to Intermediate level this year. We are really looking forward to competing with the best teams in the land. I would also love to win something with my club as we haven’t won a County title since 1993.
Name: Aisling Diamond
Age: 20
Team: Derry
Debut: 2007 v Carlow
Position: Half-Forward
Honours:
1 All-Ireland Junior title,
1 Féile na nÓg All-Ireland title,
4 U-14 Ulster titles,
2 U-16 County titles,
1 All-Star Award,
3 Colleges All-Star Awards.
Club: Bellaghy
Fav Food: Potatoes with fried turnip and cabbage
Fav Book: Katie Price books
Fav Band: Dixie Chicks
Fav Film: Bring It On
Fav TV: Home and Away
Hobbies: Swimming
Occupation: Student
CúlFACT: Aisling not only became Derry’s first All-Star Award winner but she had the honour of being only Ulster’s 2nd ever receipient alongside Antrim’s Jane Adams.
© May 2008
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