By Kieran Murphy

LAST week, the Training Centre in Fenagh played host to a media night for the All-Ireland Premier camogie finalists. The Carlow players and their management team were not the only ones present. The place was alive with young hurlers and camogie players who were involved in their own championship games.
The Croke Park-bound players watched the youngsters and afterwards both groups mingled. It worked well.
“We have been targeting this for two years. It is great to get the support and tonight is a great start,” said Carlow selector Sean Balfe.
In the All-Ireland semi-final the closeness of the Westmeath v Carlow tie stretched nerves to breaking point. The game could have gone either way.
“We need support for the girls and we saw it in Freshford. When you get a crowd behind you it can really lift a team and we will be looking for a similar response,” said the Castledermot man who moved to Old Leighlin in the early 2000s and won two senior football championship medals.
Breege Nolan says their appearance in Croke Park is reward for others who have served the game well in the county.
“From my point of view, I admire the likes of Nuala Quirke and Mary Nolan who taught us since we were under six.
“It is brilliant to do it for all those who have worked hard when Carlow camogie wasn’t as strong as it is now. It is great to see such a big crowd here tonight.
“They are so passionate. Also for clubs like Setanta, Burren Rangers and Muinebheag who are setting up now.”
Breege does not have as high a profile as her sister Kate. After all, the older sister has several Player of the Match awards under her belt while she won the National Junior Camogie Player of the Year award last year.
“I suppose Kate is the best known in our family as she is such a strong camogie player. It is very good to be beside her as she advises and tells me where to go and who to mark.
“I take the comments very well as I am sometimes in a world of my own!”
Breege has been in the county set-up since she was 12-years-old. Obviously her career highlight is qualifying for this All-Ireland final.
Was there any one particular moment which changed the mindset and made them believe they could do this?
“Winning Division 3 of the National League last year was huge. It clicked for us that we were good enough if we put in the effort. Getting to the Division 2 league semi-final this year was big. That drove us on.”
The University of Limerick third year student is just loving the involvement.
“We have brilliant captains in Marian and Teresa. But every one of the 33-odd panel is a leader because they are putting in such an effort.
“Being here for these young girls is a highlight for me.”
Nolan has it in a nutshell. Carlow camogie is united and singing from the same hymnsheet. The county is 60 minutes away from an All-Ireland title.