Laois Camogie team using 2024 heartbreak as fuel for league final- Liadan C-Fennell

Laois Camogie midfielder Liadan C-Fennell says preparations have been sharp and focused as her side gears up for Saturday’s VERY Division 3A National League Final against Roscommon in Kinnegad.

C-Fennell spoke to the Leinster Express/ Laois Live ahead of Saturday's final against Roscommon.

"We're going quite well, we're training hard since the start of the year, hitting the gym and all that kind of stuff. We’re just trying to get the simple things right before the weekend. I know it's the start of the year and the touch isn't always the best but that's the things we're working on, just improving those little things and using those out in the field and being focused on that. We've played Roscommon in the league already, so we know how tough they are and how strong they are and how fast they are. We know the talent that we’ll be faced against, so we just need to go and knuckle down now on Saturday and just work to our best," she said.

Reflecting on the conditions from when the two teams last met in March, C-Fennell noted how changes in weather and pitches over the season make a real difference to how the game is played.

"At the start of the year, the ground is totally different to what you're going to be playing for most of the year. We've had a few pitch sessions now, and we've been talking about how your footwork is different and the ballwork is a bit different. Just getting used to how it's been played, both running and touching the ball work.
It would be different, of course, but it's the same on both sides. We just have to use that to our advantage and figure out the best way to use the ball," C-Fennell said.

The O'Moore's club player also spoke about the changes to the Laois panel this season, with a blend of new energy and returning experience driving standards higher.

"A good few girls are gone travelling. It's great to see new faces in the team now this year, and they're pushing through and getting themselves into the starting team. They're pushing us as well, and it's great to see new faces.
It’s also good that we have a strong core and a good few of the girls back from last year. I suppose we're hungry for it now again this year. With the three finals last year and to be able to get back into another final this year has given us that extra hunger to get over the line," she added.

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The heartbreak of losing the league, Leinster, and All-Ireland finals all by a single point in 2024 hasn’t been forgotten. Instead, it’s become fuel for the Laois Camogie team in 2025, according to the Laois midfielder.

"Looking back on last year, you just have to see the different things that we need to improve on. It's extra hunger for us and focus that we need to use to our advantage from last year. It does show us that we have that little bit of mental strength built up because if it didn't go our way last year, we'd just go up again and reach another final. That’s what we’ve done this year, so it just shows how strong mentally we are as well after last year," C-Fennell said.

A win on Saturday wouldn’t just bring silverware, but it could be a crucial breakthrough moment for this group of Laois Camogie stars.

"If you just keep losing final after final, it is tough. To just get that one final win, then would give us that extra push for the next final. It would give us more hope that we can do this for the next final and the next few matches, which will give us a little boost. That's what we're hoping for on Saturday," she ended.

Laois and Roscommon will clash in the VERY Division 3A League final in Kinnegad on Saturday, April 12 from 1pm. Tickets for the game can be purchased here. The Leinster Express/ Laois Live will also be providing a live blog from the game for those unable to attend. The game will also be streamed live on the Camogie Association's YouTube channel.