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
Still only 18, Galway sharp-shooter Jessica Gill is no stranger to All-Ireland success. Since tasting victory with the Minor team in 2004, she has developed into one of camogie’s most dangerous forwards, with the ability to pick off scores from any angle.
In 2007 she was picked as the Young Player of the Year after some great games for the maroon and white of Galway. This year, she played in her first All-Ireland final, some achievement for a player so young! A hard fought semi-final victory over 2007 All-Ireland winners Wexford, set them up for their first September showdown since 1998 when they also played Cork. Jessica played a major role in the semi-final chipping in with a goal and 6 points, the goal coming 4 minutes into injury-time and proving the difference between the sides. A player to watch for the future!
What is your greatest moment in sport?
My greatest moment in sport was when we beat Wexford in this year’s semi-final. It was fantastic to beat the reigning champs but also great to get to our first All-Ireland final since 1998. It was an amazing day for me as I scored the goal that decided the game with 4 minutes of stoppage played.
What is the toughest team you have come up against?
They are all tough but Cork and Wexford are definitely at the top of the pile.
Who was the toughest opponent you ever played against?
There are a lot of top players but Wexford’s Catherine O’Loughlin and Catherine Foley of Cork are two I would rate highly.
Which player do you admire the most?
My county team-mate, Therese Maher, is a fantastic player. She is one of the most dedicated players I have ever known and she has a great will to win.
Who were your heroes growing up?
My hero was Sharon Glynn who played for Galway when we won the 1996 All-Ireland. She was a deadly full-forward and she also won 3 All-Ireland Club titles with Pearses of Galway.
What club do you play for and who are your biggest rivals?
I play for Athenry and our biggest rival on the club scene is definitely Kilimor.
What is the most important skill?
Striking is so important, you can’t beat hitting the ball cleanly. Once you get good at it, try to develop hitting off both sides as it will help your game greatly.
What advice would you have for young players?
Train hard and always listen to your trainers.
What are your hopes for the future?
It’s been a fantastic year for us and I hope we can build on it for the future. I want to reach as many All-Irelands as possible with both Club and County.
NAME: Jessica Gill
AGE: 18
TEAM: Galway
DEBUT: 2005 v Wexford
POSITION: Full-Forward
HONOURS
1 All-Ireland Minor title,
2 Galway Senior titles,
2 Kilmacud 7s titles,
Young Player of the Year 2007.
CLUB: Athenry
FAV FOOD: Bacon and Cabbage
FAV BOOK: Oisín McConville “The Gambler”
FAV FILM: Walk The Line
FAV TV: Eastenders
HOBBIES: Racquetball and swimming
OCCUPATION: Student
CúlFACT:
She made here debut in 2005 as the youngest player on the team and she still is. |
