'It's nice to get back to Croke Park again'- Laois Camogie's Aimee Collier
Camross star says character and work rate proved decisive in Intermediate semi-final win
Having contributed eight points to Laois' impressive victory over Kerry in Saturday's All-Ireland Intermediate semi-final, captain Aimee Collier was understandably delighted as she reflected on another memorable afternoon for the county in Glenisk O'Connor Park, Tullamore.
The win secured Laois a place in a third consecutive All-Ireland final at Croke Park. Having fallen short against Tipperary in 2024 before overcoming Armagh in last year's Premier Junior decider, Collier admitted afterwards that the latest achievement was difficult to fully comprehend.
“It's unbelievable. I don't think we can put it into words here. It's great here, standing around here with the support and the roar every time we got a score. It just really drove us on. Who would have thought we'd be back in Croke Park for the third time in a row?” she said.
For Collier and her fellow Camross players, another appearance at GAA HQ will mean a third outing there in the space of a year following their club's All-Ireland Intermediate success last December. When it was put to her that Croke Park must almost feel familiar at this stage, she quickly played down that notion.
“I wouldn't say that anyway. It's definitely a different story. It's great. We've been very lucky this year. It's gas between Camross and Laois last year. You’d have thought that's it for a while, and we have to weather the storm coming up into intermediate. I'm just absolutely delighted. We've always said we're intermediate grade and we 100% showed that today. There’s shocking resilience in the group; in both the first and second halves, Kerry started very strong. It looked like we were dead and buried, but the resilience is just unbelievable in this group,” Collier said.
There was a major scare for the Laois skipper in the aftermath of the quarter-final when an injury forced her from the field, but she was relieved to receive positive news and was thrilled to be back contributing to her team's cause.
“I was delighted. I thought it was bad news there the last day. I was fairly sure of it now, but I'm delighted all was okay. It's great to be a part of something like this,” she said.
Kerry's early goals at the start of both halves could easily have unsettled Laois, but Collier felt her side's determination and willingness to work for one another ensured they remained in control of the contest as it progressed. She also pointed to the challenging weather conditions as a major factor in the game.
“That's what this team is about. Whether it's going right for you or going wrong for you, everyone puts their head on the line. The work rate was unbelievable. It was such tough conditions to play in. The heat was tough, so it was. It was a credit to what we're about with the work rate. We said before we went out, whoever wins this match will be the one that's going to work the hardest and the one that's going to want the most. I'm just delighted that was us,” she added.
Attention will now turn towards another appearance on the biggest stage, with Laois having three weeks to prepare for the final. Despite the county's recent success, Collier admitted that reaching Croke Park remains a special occasion every time.
“I don't know if I'm used to it now. You always have to enjoy these things with the kids and stuff and the supporters as well. It's nice to get back to Croke Park again for them too. You just take it in your stride; you don't let it get too much on you, of course. We'll look forward to the build-up anyway,” Collier said.
A large Laois following made the trip to Tullamore and provided tremendous backing throughout the semi-final. Collier was quick to acknowledge the role the supporters played and hopes they will turn out in similar numbers for the final next month.
“It was unbelievable. Every time we scored, I couldn't get over the cheer we got.That's what drives you on. It’s that 16th player on the field. Especially in those last few minutes, you were dying slowly on your feet, and just to hear the roar to get you over the line was unbelievable. I hope the same will come to Croke Park now again,” she concluded.