Aisling Maher hopes Dublin can build on promising 2024

Michael Bolton

Dublin camogie player Aisling Maher hopes her team can build on a successful 2024 campaign as the Very Camogie League gets underway this weekend.

After winning Division 1B, Dublin went from strength to strength, defeating Kilkenny in the All-Ireland quarter-finals.

Although their journey ended in the semi-finals against champions Cork, 2024 was a breakthrough year in which Dublin established themselves as a team to watch heading into the new season.

Speaking to BreakingNews.ie, Maher hopes Dublin can continue to grow in their performances in 2025.

"I think the league was a great launching platform for us last year. Putting wins back-to-back and winning 1B gave us a good foundation and served us well at the time.

"Now we are stepping up another level, back in 1A, where the challenges will be that much tougher. Hopefully, by the middle of the summer, you want to be playing knockout games, and these are the teams you are going to be facing.

"We will relish playing against the best teams at the start of the year. Last year, in the latter stages of the championship, we showed that we can compete with anybody.

Reflecting on Dublin’s progress, Maher noted that one of the most satisfying aspects of last year’s campaign was finally moving beyond the constant references to their last All-Ireland semi-final appearance in 2017.

"The thing I was happiest about last year is that everybody stopped talking about us getting to the All-Ireland semi-final in 2017.

"I am delighted for these players that they have that achievement as their own."

Dublin has now put itself among a growing pool of contenders in camogie, as the number of competitive teams continues to rise.

Waterford reached the 2023 All-Ireland final, Tipperary won the league and narrowly missed out on a place in the All-Ireland final, and the sport as a whole continues to develop.

Maher believes that as the standard improves across the country, it can only be a good thing—especially for younger fans.

"I think it is great for the sport. To be fair, Cork has been one of the dominant teams over the last number of years, and they continue to set standards that give the rest of us something to strive towards.

"I do think it is becoming much more competitive. You saw Tipp winning the league last year and were unlucky not to get past Galway for a shot at the final.

"They will feel they are right there. They’ve been one of the up-and-coming teams in recent years. Waterford made the All-Ireland final a couple of years ago, and we pushed on to the semi-finals last year.

"There are a lot of teams that are really starting to contest at the top level."

Inequality remains an issue

As the inter-county camogie season begins, inequality in the sport remains a major challenge.

For Maher and her teammates, uncertainty around match venues continues to be an issue. Limited television coverage, scheduling difficulties, and a lack of facilities are other ongoing concerns.

With the much-talked-about integration between the GAA, LGFA, and the Camogie Association yet to happen, Maher believes this step is essential for the sport to progress.

"Things like venues are hugely important. Getting those venues confirmed early, knowing where games will be played, and securing better pitches and better stadiums—it all makes a difference.

"Right now, I don’t think we have confirmed venues for any of our home games. If you can announce them now and get them in Parnell Park, for example, it allows teams to plan ahead.

"The more games we can have in proper venues, the easier it is to create an event—something younger players and families can make a day out of.

"That makes a huge difference, giving young players the opportunity to see their senior camogie team play in a proper stadium.

Maher also emphasised the importance of doubleheaders, where camogie fixtures are played alongside hurling or football matches.

"Doubleheaders with the hurling or football teams make a big difference. There are already big crowds at the men’s games, and then you get to showcase the standard of the women’s game.