Camogie victory in Galway: "Carrie Dolan, team captain, expressed confidence in their win. 'From the start, there was no doubt in our minds ... We were destined to take the victory,' she asserted."
Galway Camogie Secures Historic All-Ireland Title
In a thrilling display of resilience and determination, the Galway camogie squad emerged victorious in the 2025 All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship, defeating Cork by a single point (1-14 to 1-13) at Croke Park on August 10. This victory marked Galway’s fifth-ever All-Ireland senior camogie title and their first since 2021.
The match was a dramatic and closely contested affair, with both teams displaying exceptional skill and tenacity. Galway clinched victory through a late free from captain Carrie Dolan, who scored seven frees during the game, including a crucial one near the touchline in injury time to secure the title. The final moments were intense, featuring a late goal from Cork’s Orlaith Cahalane to level the game before Dolan’s winning score.
The squad, managed by Cathal Murray, showed strong tactical discipline throughout the championship, notably shutting down Cork’s strong forwards both in the senior final and at the under-23 level earlier in the season. Murray, in his eighth year, now boasts a final record of 2 wins and 2 losses.
The victory broke Cork’s attempt at a three-in-a-row, something that has not been achieved since Wexford’s 2010–12 streak. For Galway, this final was the 11th meeting between the two teams in the championship final, with Galway previously winning only twice, in 1996 and 2021.
Notable details about the championship included a recent vote allowing players the option to wear shorts or skorts, a new flexibility in players’ kit that was introduced after protests earlier in the season.
Following the victory, the squad went for a meal at Duggan Park GAA ground in Ballinasloe in the east of the county. Another stop was made later in Clarinbridge, the home village of captain Carrie Dolan. Galway County Council chairman Cllr David Collins praised the camogie squad for bringing great honor and enjoyment to the county.
The O'Duffy Cup was welcomed to Galway for the third time in seven years. Three members of the squad have joined the late Mattie McDonagh as the only Connacht players to win four All-Ireland senior intercounty medals. Aoife Donohue, Annmarie Starr, and Ailish O'Reilly have won four All-Ireland senior camogie medals, joining the squads of 2013, 2019, 2021, and 2025.
Brian Molloy, Camogie Association president, praised Carrie Dolan's performance in the final, stating that her last-minute free was comparable to a significant hurling moment. People had travelled from all over for celebrations in Clarinbridge, with every parish and community in Galway set to celebrate this historic win.
[1] All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship - Wikipedia [2] Galway Camogie - Wikipedia [3] 2025 All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship Final - Wikipedia [4] Carrie Dolan - Wikipedia [5] Cathal Murray - Wikipedia
Sports enthusiasts across Ireland and beyond rejoiced as Galway camogie clinched the 2025 All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship, making it their fifth title in history and their first triumph since 2021. This win also denied Cork a coveted three-peat in the sport, a feat not achieved since Wexford's championship run from 2010 to 2012.
