Cork’s ability to face down adversity continues to be their strength, according to captain Ashling Thompson ahead of the county’s bid for a hat-trick of All-Ireland senior camogie titles.
The Rebelettes face Kilkenny in today’s decider at Croke Park, throw-in 4pm (live on RTÉ One).
After winning the title in 2014, the Munster county coped with the loss of 12 players from the panel to come back and claim consecutive O’Duffy Cups last September.
In their semi-final victory over Wexford a month ago, Paudie Murray’s charges came through a titanic battle after extra time.
Summing up Cork’s battling qualities, Thompson told RTÉ Sport: “When you dedicate your whole life to the sport it's not an option to throw in the towel no matter how bad it goes.”
To further underline that air of defiance, the Milford player added: “To come back and win an All-Ireland in 2015 after all the retirements was exceptional.
“We have had one or two disappointments in the last couple of years, but we’ve always bounced back and showed our true colours.
"Wexford beat us early in the group stage this year. After that we put our heads down and came out on top against them in the All-Ireland semi-final.
"I think that win over Wexford really defined us as a team this year. It literally took so much out of us.
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"We couldn’t even celebrate afterwards .Everyone was on the ground, we were just wrecked. It was a massive game – a game that was level at the end of normal time and at half time in extra time - a massive challenge for us to have ahead of the final."
"This current squad has delivered when it matters. Two years ago in the All-Ireland final against Kilkenny, we were six points down at half-time but we came back to win it by five.
"Against Tipp last year in the quarter-final we also came back to win very comfortably and it was same again in the semi-final against Kilkenny."
Looking ahead to next today’s showdown at GAA HQ, Thompson is expecting a match to savour.
"I feel it will be one of the best games of the year,” she predicted.
"Kilkenny will be a big threat. They are very strong up front, their forward line works very well together.
"It's going to be a big challenge but I have complete trust in our back line.
"There will great match ups all over the field, ensuring that it will be something exciting for spectators and those watching at home."
Sunday 11 September - Watch live coverage of the All-Ireland intermediate and senior camogie finals on The Sunday Game on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player from 1340. Live radio coverage on Sunday Sport on RTÉ Radio 1 from 1400. Highlights of all the weekend's GAA action from 2015 on The Sunday Game on RTÉ Two.
