Myshall as hungry as ever as they go for 25th title in a row

MYSHALL captain Marian Doyle smiles when it is put to her that the return of Niall Williams is a statement of intent from a club who are going for their 25th Carlow senior hurling title in a row. Williams led the club to an intermediate All-Ireland success in 2017 and among other things is a Coaching Officer with the Camogie Association.

“I don’t know if it is a statement of intent,” she says.

“We always go out every year to do as much as we can. First and foremost is retaining this championship. Take it from there and see where the road leads.

Nothing changes. That is our objective every year. We are extremely happy to have Niall back on board this year,” she agrees.

One of Myshall’s finest every players was introduced into the final late last year when the holders beat Naomh Bríd. Now she is back as captain.

The former intercounty star is looking forward to a competition which is getting harder to win every year. The league games without the intercounty players gave the clubs a sense of how competitive clubs are becoming.

“We know we are going to meet some formidable teams who are well prepared. I think it is going to be an excellent and competitive championship.

“It has been an extremely competitive league. There have been a lot of useful games. Sometimes the league can be a little lack-lustre but everyone said it was good preparation for the championship.” As she talks there is never any doubt that Marian loves the game but she relishes being associated with what sport brings off the field.

“I am competitive by nature. The All-Irelands (Carlow and Myshall). I am lucky to have played what I have played in. Lucky to have achieved what I have achieved. I have been on some fantastic teams with some fantastic players as I would certainly not have done it by myself,” she says.

The hunger to retain the title and win the 25th in succession is driving her to keep playing. Not just to play but to stay in touch socially.

“Ringing up these county titles is where it begins because nothing else goes beyond it. Definitely I am not tired of it. Each and every one means so much. When we won last year the message this year is that we have to retain it.

“I love the game. I am met my best friends from playing camogie. It is the sense of community, a great pastime, it is very enjoyable. It has given me some of my best days. It has brought me through some of my hardest days. All my friends play camogie. I love playing the game and everything that goes with it.”