The Brendan Martin Cup is within reach for Galway's skipper. Close your eyes and you can almost touch it. Kate Geraghty is 60 minutes away from joining the illustrious club of just Annette Clarke of Galway captains to climb the steps of the Hogan Stand.
To lift the cup on behalf of her teammates and county would be the pinnacle for Galway's number four.
"It means everything," she explains.
"All you want to do when you're playing football is win a final in Croke Park. It's what you train for all year. And it's days like this that you look forward to."
This is Geraghty's second year as Galway captain, having assumed the role at the start of 2025. The captaincy is something that comes naturally to her and she admits it's not something that she thinks too much about.
"I suppose I don't really think about it too much. I think the girls are always so supportive, and there's a great leadership team here.
"I think everyone really backs each other, and the team is really gelling together."
Since manager Daniel Moynihan took charge in 2024, this is a Galway team that has grown together. Geraghty has been there from the jump, and believes that the squad is in the strongest position it's ever been.
"I suppose after last year everyone kind of regrouped, and we had all the players back. Other years we could have had a few away on J-1s or a few just opting out, but I think we have a lot of players this year, and a lot of people coming back from injury as well. There's huge competition between groups," says the Galway skipper.
"I think when you've been training together, you get to know players and how they play a bit better. So I think we have that. We've had the same management now for the last three years, which should stand to us as well."
Over the last three years Galway have developed into a team that scores at will. The Tribeswomen's attacking performances often steal the headlines but defensively they give very little away. It is reassuring to know that to beat Galway you are more than likely going to have to put up a big score. Something this Galway side rarely concedes.
"I think everyone's playing really well together, and the forwards in particular, like the vision they see on the pitch and the way they link up, the work rate they had the last week against Armagh made life a bit easier for us backs.
"I think there's a lot of trust within the group, and if somebody goes forward, we know that somebody will cover back and same going forward. So I think the fact that people know that their position will be covered if they do something in the game makes a huge difference."
It can be difficult to do when the prize is within your grasp, but Geraghty insists treating Sunday's showpiece as just another game is of paramount importance. Galway's skipper believes focusing on themselves, routine, and consistency can hold the key to success this weekend.
"I think just treat it as another game. Stick to your routines. Training the same days, gym the same days. I think just sticking to your routine is important.
"We still have a big job ahead of us, but I think consistent performances will stand to us."
Geraghty has had a successful career so far, winning a minor All-Ireland with Galway in 2018 and making her senior debut in 2021. She also picked up an All-Star award in 2024 as she was chosen as left corner back on the All-Star team.
