Aisling Maher: ‘A win like that brings momentum. The main thing now is to keep it going’

Their triumph in the Very Division 1B final still echoes across the city streets.

“A win like that brings momentum. The main thing now is to keep it going,” states Dublin captain Aisling Maher.

“It was an important victory for us. Such a result can do wonders for a team's morale.

“We always believed that Dublin are well capable of competing in the top division. We are delighted that we are back there now.

“That’s where we want to be playing. Testing ourselves against the best teams. That’s how you improve and judge your own progress.

“It was back in 1983 that the Dublin senior team last won a League title. That’s a long time ago. And hopefully we won’t have to wait as long again.”

The ’83 success was achieved at Russell Park, the home of St Brigid’s. The Dubs defeated Wexford.

Just like they did in the final in Carlow a couple of weeks ago.

Sinéad Nolan played a vital role. She made a highly valuable impact coming off the bench.

Striking a point, then scoring a crucial goal, while also being centrally involved in the winning goal for Grace O’Shea.

Last October, Sinéad captained St Jude’s in the Dublin Senior Championship final. They lost to St Vincent’s by three points.

As Jude’s chased the lead in Parnell Park that night, nobody ran harder, or did as much.

Growing up, one of her favourite players was Brian Lohan. But not even the brilliant Banner defender could have curtailed her exploits against Wexford at the SETU.

Up in Tymon, she’s a role model for the kids. Her pep talk to them contains wisdom coated in gold.

“You’ll never regret sticking at it.”

That’s precisely what Aisling Maher has done all down the years.

She is now the spiritual leader of this team.

Just like a fellow All-Star, Louise O’Hara, was for so many years.

Louise was pitch-side in Carlow. Cheering on the side. Encouraging their every move.

And filling their ears with praise after the game.

Aisling’s thoughts are for the players who will step into her blue suede shoes. Many of whom are already in the squad.

“We have so many young players in the panel. They have worked so hard. I’m thrilled for them.

“It’s fabulous that they get to taste a bit of success. They certainly deserve it for all they have put in.

“Getting over the line in such a tight game will instil even more belief.

“That’s what builds the resilience for the challenges to come. The experience of getting to lift that trophy.”

The icon of St Vincent’s predicts that there are brighter days ahead.

The Division 1B prize has seen the sun come out once more in the capital.

Dublin will be keen to make a mark in the Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Senior Championship which begins next month.

They are in Group 2 with the All-Ireland champions, Cork, Galway, Down, Wexford and Clare.

Group 1 has Waterford, Tipperary, Limerick, Derry, Antrim and Kilkenny.

The first team in each group go straight into a semi-final. The second and third-placed teams advance to the quarter-final.

The two quarter-finals will take place in Croke Park on the same bill as the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship semi-finals on Saturday and Sunday, July 6th and July 7th.

The All-Ireland camogie semi-finals will be a double-bill in Nowlan Park on Saturday, July 27th.

They were held there last year, and a huge crowd turned out in the pouring rain.

Having a purposeful run in Leinster would be the ideal preparation for the All-Ireland campaign.

“Getting quality games, like the ones we had against Wexford in the League, is what you want,” declares Aisling.

“Our first match in the Group stage of the League was against Wexford in Oulart, and it was a terrific contest.

“Just like our League final in Carlow. There were so many exciting passages of play. It was a great advert for the sport.

“Ourselves and Wexford have had some marvellous tussles. They are always close and sporting games. And we’ll look forward to some more of them.

“It’s matches of that high standard that bring players and teams on.

“And now, hopefully, with the better weather coming in, the pitches will become firmer and the tempo will increase even more.

“That’s what the spectators want to see. We got a big following in Carlow and the players really appreciate the supporters coming out.

“It was such a boost for the team. And it was lovely that we were able to give them something to cheer about.”