Aoife Prendergast hoping for more Croker glory when Kilkenny face Dublin in All-Ireland quarter-final

Last December, Dicksboro went home with the best present of all. Their very first All-Ireland Senior Club Camogie Championship.

“It was so special for the club, our families and friends,” recalls Aoife Prendergast. “It’s a day that will live with us forever.”

Aoife now has another big day as Kilkenny face Dublin in the Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship quarter-final in Croke Park this Saturday (12.30).

It precedes the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship semi-final between Clare and Kilkenny (3pm).

Last Saturday at The Ragg, Tipperary pipped Kilkenny in a compelling contest to top Group 1.

The prize was a big one – a semi-final place. The consolation wasn’t too bad either – a last eight ticket.

“We didn’t play as well as we had hoped to do in the first-half,” reflected Aoife, the Kilkenny captain.

“In fairness, Tipp didn’t let us. They are a top-class side. They had us on the back-foot straight from the throw-in.

“We managed to get back into it in the second half. It turned out to be a super game overall.”

It was live on the Camogie YouTube channel. “It’s brilliant to have that platform. Our quarter-final against Dublin is on RTÉ and that adds so much to the occasion,” she said.

“It’s another opportunity for camogie to showcase the sport to a large audience.”

The teams met in the Leinster final in May. At the splendid Glenisk O’Connor Park in Tullamore. Kilkenny won by five points.

“Dublin played very well. They have been progressing. They always battle right to the end. We know we are going to have to perform to get over the line,” she said.

The teams also played in the 2022 All-Ireland quarter-final at Semple Stadium. Kilkenny advanced, and they went on to claim the title, beating Cork by a point in the final.

In last year’s All-Ireland quarter-final, Cork overcame Kilkenny by a point before going on to lift the crown.

With Kilkenny also involved in the double-bill, there will be a large Kilkenny support at HQ.

Likewise, Dublin are hoping to have a big following.

Winning the Very National Division 1B League lifted the mood in the city.

The Dubs will be more than willing to put in the hard yards. Just like Kilkenny.

Aoife knows all about keeping on the toes. She’s a PE Teacher at Coláiste Mhuire in Johnstown.

She brings much to the role. She excelled at swimming, hockey and soccer. She played for Wexford Youths in the Women's National League.

“It’s so beneficial for people of all ages to keep active. To exercise. To play sport, go for a run, or a walk. It doesn't really matter. It's what they enjoy best,” she said.

She’s hoping that the clash of Dublin and Kilkenny will get kids throughout the country off their couches and out with the hurls.