Ellen McCarthy has played county camogie for years, progressing from under-14 to the senior panel since 2022. Only three players from the 2022 All-Ireland U18 Shield-winning group remain involved, with others leaving due to competing commitments such as football, college, and part-time work. Louth previously struggled with frequent heavy defeats, but Division 3B National League success over Donegal and improved results this season marked a change. Under new manager Padraic Murphy, training became more intense and supportive, with encouragement and direct feedback. The creation of Division 3B also reduced demoralization by providing a more suitable competitive structure alongside Monaghan, Mayo, and Donegal.
"“I don't know, girls playing football,” said Ellen. “It's hard to keep it up as well. It's a big enough commitment and I'm sure at our age girls are away at college, part-time jobs, it's hard.”"
"“Oh it's brilliant, it's brilliant again - we're improving and training's really good, training's intense and that's what we need to improve,” Ellen said. “It's different from last year but sure everything's different and it's definitely good. He's so encouraging, so supportive and not afraid to call us out if we're not working hard enough, if we're not doing what we should be doing. But really encouraging and yeah, he's brilliant.”"
"“It certainly is a far cry from what Ellen had become accustomed to, hardly enough players for a team at training and destined to always lose it seemed. However, the establishment by the Camogie Association of Division 3B in the National League this season, with Monaghan, Mayo and Donegal joining Louth, has made a major difference.”"
"“It was very demoralising playing those games [last year],” the Louth captain said."
Read at Irish Independent
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