'In our eyes it's a league semi-final' - Cork's Méabh Murphy primed to take on Galway

It is heartwarming, in this era of increasing sporting caution, to speak to an athlete that just exudes passion for what she does.

While insight on structures, tactics and conditioning is welcome, sometimes the reason everyone kicked a ball or picked up a hurley for the first time is forgotten in the quest for silverware.

At the core of anyone's participation in sport, at any level, should be joy and excitement.

Certainly, that is what Cork corner-back Méabh Murphy exudes. Today’s Very Camogie League Division 1A tie with Galway at Ballinasloe’s Duggan Park, is a tie that, in all likelihood, the Rebels must win to reach a third consecutive league final in a row at Croke Park on 15 April.

They lost the last two deciders to the westerners, who remain in contention themselves for a third straight title if they can get a draw or better against their old rivals. There was little between them when Cork got the upper hand in last year’s All-Ireland semi-final on the way to climbing the Hogan Stand steps to receive the O’Duffy Cup, so Murphy is expecting another tumultuous battle.

Although not 21 until July, the Ballinora defender has established a reputation as an excellent marker, and finished last season with an All-Star nomination to go with the coveted All-Ireland medal.

She has continued in that vein of form through the Very Leagues but while some might find the prospect of having to neutralise just one of Galway’s stellar attacking talent stressful, Murphy embraces it, in full knowledge of the fact that she will be pushed to her limits.

With Niamh Mallon, one of the best forwards in the land for most of the past decade and a former Down teammate of Cork’s own Mourne recruit, Sorcha McCartan, now in the Galway ranks, the challenge