Denise Gaule raring to hurl again after big-ball adventure

For as long as Denise Gaule can remember, camogie has been her focus and her passion.

As time moved on, she could always place the ups and downs that came with it in the proper context of an overall, balanced life.

Nonetheless, there was only ever one sport in the Kilkenny and Windgap star's vista and, after the post-championship break, the emphasis in the New Year would always be on preparation for the Littlewoods Ireland Camogie Leagues.

This time around however, the four-time All-Star and dual player of the year had another outlet, adding a new string to her bow when helping Mullinahone from just over the other side of the Tipperary border to county and Munster junior ladies’ football titles.

Gaule is renowned for her self-deprecation when in receipt of praise so her appraisal of her skills with the big ball have to be taken with a pinch of salt, particularly as she scored 1-01 in the provincial decider, added a goal in the All-Ireland quarter-final and two points in the semi-final. Falling at the final hurdle to Dublin powerhouses St Jude’s was a disappointing conclusion but it was a memorable journey.

"I'd say the last time I played football was in secondary school which is a long time ago," says Gaule with that trademark laidback delivery.

"When we got knocked out of the camogie [with Kilkenny] and went back club training in Windgap, one of the girls from Mullinahone, Lorraine O’Shea - she would be playing with us in Windgap - she just asked myself and Michaela Kenneally would we be interested in going over and we said it would be a bit of extra training anyway. There are a few other Windgap people there like Catherine Foley, who used to play with Kilkenny.

"I actually didn't realise how good football was. You’d be