These girls owe us nothing, they gave it their all

THE Laois camogie camp will feel the disappointment for some time to come after Sunday’s All-Ireland final defeat, and understandably so. Reaching Croke Park brings with it the expectation and belief that this could be the day when all the hard work comes together, but for Laois that dream ultimately went unfulfilled.

But when the dust settles, this group can look back on a year of which they should be extremely proud.

This was always going to be a significant season for Laois. Having won the Premier Junior All-Ireland title last year, the step back up to Intermediate level was a considerable one. There is a significant difference between winning a provincial or All-Ireland title at one grade and then immediately having to prove yourself at the next level.

Laois did exactly that. They not only adapted to Intermediate camogie but went all the way to another All-Ireland final. To do that in their first season back at this grade says a huge amount about the character, commitment and ability within this group.

Sunday was a difficult afternoon, particularly because the team had worked so hard to get themselves into this position. There were moments when Laois looked capable of making a real contest of it, and there was certainly no lack of effort or determination. They kept battling, kept trying to create opportunities and never allowed the occasion to overwhelm them.

Ultimately, though, Antrim were the better team on the day, but Laois were within two points after the break but found themselves chasing the game for the remainder. That is the nature of an All-Ireland final. You can prepare as well as possible and put everything into the occasion, but when the first ball is thrown in, it comes down to who performs best on the day.

For Laois, the most important thing is not to let the disappointment of Sunday define the season.

A year ago, this was a team celebrating a Premier Junior All-Ireland title and looking forward to testing themselves at Intermediate level. Twelve months later, they are an All-Ireland Intermediate finalist. That is remarkable progress.

There will be lessons to take from Sunday, as there always are after a final, but there should also be a real sense of satisfaction about what this group has achieved. They have proved that they belong at Intermediate level and have shown that Laois camogie can compete on the biggest stage.

The experience of Croke Park will live with these players. Some will have another opportunity to come back and finish the job, while others may move on, but all of them can take pride in having brought Laois back to an All-Ireland final.

The trophy may be heading elsewhere this time, but this should not be viewed as a season of failure.

It has been a year of progress, belief and confirmation that Laois camogie is heading in the right direction and after the disappointment fades, that is what this group should remember most.