Tipp’s Caoimhe Maher: Winning the league has instilled confidence, but we know an All-Ireland isn’t going to be easy

“I’m a talent advisor. Outsourcing recruitment for a multinational company,” she explains.

“I am not a recruiter, but I manage the recruitment process. Helping to bring talent to companies. I identify talent.”

She hails the discipline and commitment of camogie’s modern-day personnel.

“It’s an exciting time to be playing. The game has moved on so much.

“Players are in the gym. They are getting the right food and sleep. They are top athletes.

“The matches are more competitive. It’s not just the big three anymore - Cork, Kilkenny and Galway.”

Tipperary’s Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship journey starts this Saturday when they welcome Waterford to The Ragg.

Then it’s away to Derry, home to Antrim, away to Limerick, before hosting Kilkenny.

“Waterford and ourselves have had some terrific encounters. It’s good that we push each other on as we, and other counties, try to make the breakthrough.”

Outside of Cork, Kilkenny and Galway, Wexford were the last team to lift the O’Duffy Cup when they completed the three-in-a-row in 2012.

“The dominance of the big three won’t be over until another team wins the All-Ireland,” declares Maher.

In last year’s All-Ireland semi-final, Waterford overcame Tipp by a point to reach their first final in 78 years.

Tipperary will go into this season’s championship in bright form following their Very National Camogie League Division 1A triumph.

It was their first league crown in 20 years. They beat Galway by a point in Croke Park.

“It was such a special day. For ourselves, our families and supporters. It was lovely to see them smiling.

“Last year, we won Munster. That was another highlight. I have been playing for Tipp since 2012. We have been waiting a long time for silverware.

“It was great to play in Croke Park. We’d like to be there more regularly.”

Maher shared the experience with her sister and team-mate Ciardha.

“It’s nice to have a sister involved. She understands what’s required to be playing at this level.”

Maher remembers when Tipp were last All-Ireland champions, in 2004.

“I was taking pictures of the players with the cup on the street – the likes of Jovita Delaney and Eimear McDonnell.

“We’d all love to be All-Ireland champions one day. Winning the league has instilled confidence, but we know it’s not going to be easy.

“We have been working away. Focusing on aspects like doing the right thing under pressure and reacting well when the opposition has the momentum.

“It’s all about driving each other on, and trying to emulate the success we have had. But what we have done previously will count for nothing now.

“We are in a competitive group. Waterford have had the upper hand on us recently. Our challenge now is to get the result.”

The Ragg is a charming venue. A Deirdre Hughes puck away from Semple Stadium.

Semple staged last Sunday’s Munster Senior Camogie Championship final where Cork beat Waterford. It was on before the Tipperary and Cork Munster Senior Hurling Championship tie.

“I’m a big fan of the double-headers. It’s all about attracting more spectators to our sport.

“Any chance to play in the big stadiums across the country is to be welcomed.”

Before the summer is out, Maher is hoping to be back on the bus heading down the Clonliffe Road.