Áine Keane delighted with camogie finals centre-stage billing as Galway face Tipperary in Division 1A decider

It isn't every 21-year-old that is put forward for press duties but Áine Keane has represented Galway at both the initial launch of the Very Camogie Leagues and the midweek photo shoot for this weekend’s finals.

An aspirant teacher currently on a placement in her local Gort CS, Keane possesses all the characteristics you’d want from a leader.

Captain and player of the match when Galway won the All-Ireland Under-16 title in 2018, the St Thomas’ star is talented, has presence and possesses tremendous communication skills. Just as important is her focus on the collective, the big picture, rather than the immediate wants of the individual.

It would be a nice birthday present were Galway to beat Tipperary's in Sunday's Division 1A final, given she turns 22 the week after next, but it is the benefits to an evolving squad that Keane emphasises. There are players that would never have played with one another and others reacquainting themselves.

She’s thinking of the likes of former player of the year Niamh Kilkenny, returned after her year out to have a baby; Niamh Hanniffy back from injury; the vastly experienced Annmarie Starr’s perseverance rewarded with a regular spot for the first time in years; one of the best forwards in the country, Niamh Mallon, an exciting addition after transferring from Down.

And then, the likes of youngsters Niamh Niland, Niamh McPeake, Ally Hesnan and Ciara Hickey making their presence felt.

The measure of this impressive woman is perhaps best illustrated by raising €15,434, divided equally between Gort Cancer Support and Croí, by taking on a 24-hour challenge of running two kilometres every hour at Kilbeacanty pitch last November. The last few were walks and hobbles but no one was arguing.

An added fly