Aoife Donohue has seen it all. Been there and done that. At the open training session held in Kenny Park, the Galway veteran who has been so integral to the county's camogie's successes over the years, is laser focused on Sunday's All-Ireland decider.
You cannot help but feel the determination emanating out of the maestro from Mullagh. Donoghue has spoken in the media since last year's defeat about the pain she felt personally, and amongst the squad having fallen at the final hurdle. She was entertaining no such thoughts in Athenry last week.
"It's a new year. Obviously, we were disappointed after last year but that counts for nothing now. It is 2025 and we are really looking forward to the final," she said.
The Mullagh woman who teaches in Colaiste Baile Chlair in Claregalway, exudes calm. As the vice-captain, Donohue is one of the leading voices in the dressing room. With an All-Ireland title and multiple All-Stars on her CV, she has a massive impact both on and off the pitch.
Galway have played Cork twice so far this season with both sides winning one game apiece. Has the squad taken any learnings from these games ahead of the big one on Sunday?
"We are very familiar with each other at this stage. Ultimately, you can do as much tactics but it will come down to whoever works hardest and takes their chances will come out on top in the end."
Donohue believes that the experience of last year's final will help the team's preparation going into Sunday.
"Preparation will be very much the same as normal. We are used to preparing for an All-Ireland Final after last year," she said.
"It will be very much the same. We know we are playing Cork so we will do our work on them. Rest and recovery for this week and then we have a big week ahead."
A big week indeed. Donohue's masterful skill and big day know-how will play a huge role in her side's quest for All-Ireland glory.
Aoife won an All-Star in 2024. She also won an All-Star and the player of the league accolade for the Division One league for her performances in the 2019 Littlewoods camogie league. She won an All-Ireland Senior Title and Division 1 League Title in 2019 with Galway and also won a national league title in 2015.
She completed the double in 2013 winning a Senior and Intermediate title with Galway in the same day. She won a Purcell Cup with NUIG in 2018 and she won an All Ireland Minor title with Galway in 2010.
She won a Senior title with her club in 2014 and she also won Senior league titles with Mullagh in 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2018. Aoife is the winner of five All-Stars, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2024.
