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
MAROON MANIA!
Still only 24, Galway defender Sinéad Cahalan is no stranger to the hurly-burly of inter-county camogie. The Tribeswomen have been knocking on the camogie door for a while now - beating the 2007 champions Wexford to reach the 2008 All-Ireland final where they lost out to a well organised Cork outfit and earlier this year, they lost out to an up-and-coming Kilkenny team in the last four. For Sinéad its all part of the cut and thrust of modern day camogie, with standards rising all the time.
Her fantastic defensive play has earned her 2 All-Star Awards and for the last two years she has captained the side, a role she really loves. Sinéad knows that they will have to dig deeper to get their hands on the big one, an O’Duffy Cup medal and that elusive 2nd All-Ireland title. With a team littered with household names like Jessica Gill, Veronica Curtin, goalkeeper Susan Earner, Therese Maher, Niamh Kilkenny and Ann-Marie Hayes on the team they will give it everything.
What has been the highlight of 2009 for you?
I suppose captaining the Galway Senior camogie team was a great honour and leading them onto the pitch for any of the games was a great feeling.
Galway have been there or there abouts for the last few years - you must be upbeat about the future?
In 2008, we got to the All-Ireland final v Cork and were narrowly defeated. In 2009, unfortunately, we were beaten by Kilkenny in the semi-final. This was hugely disappointing for everyone involved but Galway Camogie has made great strides in the last few years and hopefully, the O’Duffy Cup will be on its way to the west very soon!
What has been your happiest moment in the Maroon and White?
Reaching the All-Ireland Senior Camogie final in 2008 in Croke Park is possibly my greatest sporting moment and it was also very special to captain the team. Winning an All-Star in 2005 and 2008 are also up there.
Which is the toughest team you have ever faced?
Cork have proven to be our toughest opponents over the recent years.
Who was the toughest opponent you ever played against?
Claire Grogan.
Which players do you admire the most?
I admire Therese Maher from Galway. She can win a ball that would appear to be "impossible" to win. In hurling, I think Ken McGrath from Waterford is admirable. I used to really admire Seánie McMahon when he hurled with the Clare Seniors.
Who were your childhood heroes?
Galway last won the All-Ireland camogie title in 1996 and those playing on that team became our heroes: Pam Nevin, Sharon Glynn and Imelda Hobbins.
What club do you play for and who are your biggest rivals?
I play for Mullagh. We are a Senior club and there is a lot of competition in the Galway Club Camogie Championship. Killimor, Pearses and Athenry may be our greatest rivals.
Whats your top club memory?
Captaining the U-16 team to victory in the County final in 2001. Great memories.
Do you have any superstitions?
I have to wear a white hair-band for matches.
What are your hopes for the future?
To win a Senior Club title with my club Mullagh and to win the O’Duffy Cup some day soon.
What’s the most important skill in your opinion?
To be able to catch a ball clean in the air.
STATS
Name: Sinéad Cahalan
Age: 24
Team: Galway
Debut: 2003 v Tipperary
Position: Centre-Back
Honours:
1 All-Ireland Junior title,
1 All-Ireland Intermediate title,
Galway U-16 titles,
Galway U-14 titles,
2 All-Star Awards.
Club: Mullagh
Fav Food: Lasagne & Chocolate
Fav Band: Westlife and Tracy Chapman
Fav Book: Brian Cody’s book
Fav TV: Don’t watch it
Fav Film: Love Actually
Hobbies: Going to the pool, shopping and walking.
Occupation: Primary School Teacher
CúlFACT:
Sinéad tells us that she eats porridge every morning. She wont leave home without it, it’s a ritual and she loves it!
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