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
Things are looking up for Kilkenny camogie sharpshooter Imelda Kennedy.
She was on the team when the camogie Cats last won an All-Ireland title back in 1994 and she is coming ever closer to repeating that feat.
The dead ball expert put over six frees in this year’s semi-final as Kilkenny narrowly lost to Tipperary. However, this was real progress for camogie in the county. And with the Minors winning back-to-back All-Irelands, the U-16s in top form and Imelda’s club Freshford dominating the club camogie scene, the O’Duffy Cup could be back in Kilkenny before long.
And it would be richly deserved for the Kilkenny veteran who has been on the inter-county scene since 1993. When she’s not working or training for club and county, she coaches under-age teams at her club.
With a healthy blend of youth and experience in the Kilkenny camogie set-up, Imelda is hoping she can help her county re-live the glory days of the late 80s and early 90s when the Cats won an amazing seven All-Ireland titles in a row.
How do you rate the 2006 season?
Getting to the All-Ireland Semi-Final against Tipperary was real progress for us. We nearly won on the day, but we didn’t take our chances in front of goal. Jovita Delaney was awesome for them.
What has been your greatest moment in sport?
Winning our first All-Ireland Club title with Freshford in 2004. We beat
Grenagh-Ballingarry in Parnell Park. I was captain and it was a great feeling to raise the Carroll Cup.
Who are the toughest team you have ever faced?
We have played Tipperary a good many times over the last few years and they
are very difficult to beat. In the club scene it has to be Rathnure.
Who are the toughest opponents out there?
Cork’s Mary O’Connor.
How do you balance your work and camogie?
It’s easy really. I work 9 to 5 and after that it’s straight onto the field to coach kids and then onto my own training. I love it so it’s not hard for me.
Which players do you admire the most?
I have great respect for Gillian Dillon Maher who is a teammate of mine at Freshford. She is the daughter of former Kilkenny hurler Pa Dillon.
Who was your childhood hero?
Two players stand out. Bridie McGarry in camogie and DJ Carey in hurling.
What club do you play for and who are your biggest rivals?
I play for Freshford. We are also known as St. Lachtain’s. Mullinavat would be our biggest rivals in the county; they’re a very good side.
What are your hopes for the future?
It would be great to win the All-Ireland Club title and do the three-in-a-row. Of course, we all want to try our best to win the O’Duffy Cup. We have a nice mix of youth and experience in the Kilkenny side at the moment so things are looking up.
What advice would you give to young players?
Keep practising and always pay attention and show an interest in training.
Listen to your coaches because you will never stop learning.
Name: Imelda Kennedy
Age: 30
Team: Kilkenny
Debut: 1993 v Clare
Position: Half-forward
Honours:
1 All-Ireland Senior Title
1 All-Ireland Minor Title
2 Leinster Junior Titles
2 All-Ireland Club Titles
4 Leinster Club Titles
8 County Club Titles
1 All-Ireland Colleges Title
1 Feile na nGael Title
Club: Freshford
Fav Food: Chicken Risotto
Fav Book: Roy Keane’s autobiography
Fav Music: Snow Patrol
Fav Film: Braveheart
Fav TV: No Frontiers
Fav Team: Kilkenny Hurlers
Hobbies: Horse riding (hunting)
Occupation: Accounts technician
© December 2006
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