It is typically Galway's attacking exploits that make the headlines. Yet, it is the Tribeswomen's backline that lays the foundation with their gritty, assured, and fearless approach. Emma Helebert has been a stalwart in the Galway defence for years now. She is on the hunt for her third All-Ireland crown on Sunday.
The Ballinderreen defender has been here before. She has tasted both the disappointment of defeat and the elation of victory. Speaking at the open training event last Thursday evening at Kenny Park, she tells me that she still relishes the buzz of All-Ireland Final week.
"I think once we get this week out of the way, get back to the drawing board and finalise what we are doing the excitement will kick in," Helebert explains.
"I think next week is when the real kind if buzz starts - we are really looking forward to it."
Kenny Park is a hive of activity, with young camogie fanatics hustling and bustling to meet their heroes, take selfies, or get their hurleys signed. Helebert remembers when she, like them, was looking up to those in her position.
"I remember being them, looking up to the older girls. We are so happy to do days like these."
Seeing the excitement around Athenry is bound to give the players that extra boost of motivation.
"Absolutely," replies Helebert. "Look around, this is the future of camogie. It is so lovely to see they almost know every single one of us by first name. It's great to do this."
Excitement aside, there is still a job to do. Galway and Cork renew battle this Sunday as Cork look for their third successive title. Galway's number six has her sights set on a third title of her own. She has learned a lot from their games over the years.
"I think all you can learn from any of the times we have met them, even down to the last couple of years, is that it comes down to the wire," she explains.
"All we can do is, the same as Tipperary, get our match-ups right. It's going to come down to whoever wants it most and whoever works the hardest."
Helebert and her teammates won't get consumed by the occasion. They are used to this. She has full faith in both the management team and her teammates to get the job done on Sunday.
"I think we will leave the planning up to the lads and we will hopefully do the business between the white lines on the day."
Emma has been one of Galway's most reliable influences over the years. If Cathal Murray's side get over the line, it may be the attackers that get the headlines. But no doubt it will be the defensive contributions of Helebert and co that grant them the license to do so.
Emma has won two Senior All?Ireland Titles with Galway in 2019 and 2021. She was also part of the Galway sides that won the National Camogie League in 2015, 2019, 2022, and 2023.
She captured the Purcell Cup in 2018 and also won Connacht interprovincial honours in 2016 and 2018.
