'It was just amazing' - Rutledge relishing comeback after concussion struggles

It wasn't the hat-trick of goals or even the provincial silverware alongside her beloved teammates that meant the most to Éabha Rutledge.

Just being able to play a competitive game without experiencing a headache in the aftermath was the best takeaway of all.

Her return from concussion has been lengthy, more lengthy than she could ever have imagined after an initial bang to the head during a club game with Dublin’s Kilmacud Crokes two years ago.

That started the wheels in motion, a time where she would be forced to mature and grow, and be conscious that she had to help herself, too.

She missed training sessions, matches, and entire seasons, all in the hope that one day she would be out on the football pitch playing at the top level again. And following a 4-15 to 0-8 victory over Tinahely, the Crokes ace was thrilled to be back.

"It was just amazing," said Rutledge.

"Honestly, like we've always said with the club, since we came up to the senior championship after winning intermediate in 2014, it was so much about what we would do if we won the senior championship.

"And to go on there and to win the Leinster championship on Sunday, honestly, it's like the most incredible feeling. There’s just no better feeling than winning with your club and the players you’ve grown up playing with. It’s just amazing."

The 26-year-old plays up front for the Stillorgan outfit but has operated in defence during her Dublin career.

Rutledge was a real inter-county star too but hasn’t featured as prominently since her concussion troubles began and she is taking her time before she makes a call on inter-county career.

She has learned patience in the most difficult circumstances, and even Dublin senior manager Mick Bohan’s call may have to go unanswered if