Club heartache a 'dampener' at end of Galway's glory year for Orlaith McGrath

For most, an All-Ireland Senior Camogie medal would be a warm comfort throughout the cold Christmas nights. But, Orlaith McGrath isn't most people.

2021 was a turbulent year for the Galway camogie star. McGrath left Croke Park on a sunny day in June deflated after losing the league final to Kilkenny by three points. 'I wouldn’t worry, it’s only the league’, you might say.

Then came the big one in September. The holy grail. The pinnacle of the sport. McGrath stood in the Hogan Stand a second time All-Ireland winner after beating Cork 1-15 to 1-12, contributing 0-02 to the scoreboard herself.

Before long, donning the green and white of her club, Sarsfields, McGrath battled for another All-Ireland medal against Wexford’s Oulart the Ballagh on a dreary December day. The journey back west was a long one as the Caroll Cup remained in Leinster after a 4-08 to 2-09 defeat.

It was a disappointing way to bookend the year, admitted McGrath.

"I was busy and fortunate enough that we got to those finals, the league final with Galway, winning the All-Ireland and got to an All-Ireland club final too with Sarsfields. You play because you want to get to those finals and we’re very fortunate with that.

"I suppose though yeah, losing the club All-Ireland in December was a real dampener on the year. I suppose it did mask over a lot of the success with Galway because when you are playing with your club it’s that much closer to the bone and you feel that bit more responsible."

As the saying goes, ‘one club one life’.

"With Galway though it was an absolutely brilliant year and we’ve loads to be happy about but I do think losing the club All-Ireland and the fact that it was so recent definitely does put a dampener on the 2021 season."

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