‘You can lose or you can learn’- Laois Camogie's Laura Finlay eyes All-Ireland final redemption

After experiencing the heartbreak of last year’s All-Ireland final, Laura Finlay is once again gearing up for a shot at glory with Laois Camogie.

A vital part of the setup in both 2024 and 2025, the experienced defender is embracing the chance to return to Croke Park and help her county take the final step. Twelve months on from that narrow one-point defeat to Tipperary, Laois will face Armagh in this year’s decider. For Finlay, the opportunity to be back in another All-Ireland final is not taken lightly.

“It's a privilege to represent your county and I just think you know that while you can play, you might as well give it your all. It was a privilege to be asked back in and we have a special group of girls this year. Small panel, but there's quite a lot of depth in the panel as well. The girls are really pushing on, so hopefully now in two weeks, we'll be able to turn the tide from last year,” she said.

Laois have endured their share of tight defeats, losing the league final, Leinster final, and All-Ireland final by a single point in 2024 alone. Finlay believes those setbacks have given the group a sharper edge.

“We lost three finals last year by a point, so that was a tough way to lose three finals in a row. We kind of changed things around this year with our gym work, which I think has made a huge difference. I just think maybe that experience as well of losing three finals, you can lose or you can learn so hopefully we'll have learned from the three losses and put last year's hurt to bed on the 10th of August,” she added.

One of the leaders in the dressing room, Finlay knows the power of unity within the squad and what it would mean to finally get over the line this year.

“I think it's special for me and for the group of girls as well. What a privilege and an honour to play in Croke Park and it'd be extra special to get Clodagh and Aimee up the steps of the Hogan Stand. We're just looking forward to it and it's an occasion, but at the end of the day, we're there to play a match. I think maybe that's something we've learned from last year as well, to just focus on the match when we're up there and try to get over the line and get the girls up the steps to lift the trophy,” she ended.

Laois v Armagh will throw-in at 1pm on Sunday, August 10, in this year's Glen Dimplex Premier Junior Camogie Final in Croke Park.

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