Ailish O'Reilly said underdogs Galway were inspired to the All-Ireland senior camogie title by the hype surrounding Cork’s three-in-a-row bid.
The Rebels came in as hot favourites to land a first treble in 52 years but were pipped by a point at Croke Park, Carrie Dolan landing a decisive 63rd-minute free after an Orlaith Cahalane goal looked to have rescued a replay for the 14 women in red.
"That is sweet," O’Reilly told The Sunday Game immediately afterwards.
"When they got the goal, and to respond the way Carrie did, it shows a lot about this time after we were written off so much.
"All we heard all week was 'the three-in-a-row, the three-in-a-row’. We were there to take it off them. And I think we proved a lot of people wrong.
"It suited us down to the ground. All the talk was about Cork, it felt like we were just coming up to show up and they were just going to be handed the trophy
"We kept it in ourselves the last week but we were so riled up to be honest."
Galway full-forward Ailish O'Reilly speaks to Valerie as the Tribeswomen celebrate their All-Ireland triumph
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It’s a fourth All-Ireland medal for the Oranmore/Maree club woman, following on from 2013, ’19 and 2021. She has been present for 80% of Galway’s senior camogie titles.
"I’m so happy," she said. "My granny is at home watching, so this is for her.
"Maybe I didn’t have a great last year or two. So to do this and help the team…
"It’s a team victory. I could not be prouder of all the girls out there. To Cathal [Murray, manager], and all the management team, it’s for them.
"And it’s to show any team that anything can happen in a final.
"Block out all the noise and comments. Once you believe within your own group… and they instilled that belief in us."
After lifting the O’Duffy Cup, captain and matchwinner Dolan added her praise for the team’s coaches, calling them "the four wise men".
"Ye challenged us to reach new levels and become a better team than we were 12 months ago. And for that, I can't thank you enough.
"Cathal Murray, I want to thank you for your loyalty to this group but also to Galway camogie since you became manager in 2018.
"When you were re-appointed this year, I read someone say ‘Fat chance of the O’Duffy coming west with Murray in charge’. Well, not only have you delivered one All-Ireland cup for Galway camogie, you've delivered two (the senior title and the Under-23 title).
"This group had lost three out of the last four finals between league and championship. But you [the supporters] have come up the road every day to support this group, and I can't wait to celebrate with you all tomorrow night.
"To every young boy and girl out there with a hurl in their hands, go after your dream. Today, 39 girls had a dream of winning the All-Ireland. Today that dream came true."
