Cork's Libby Coppinger expresses optimism: Integration may occur imminently
Fierce and Focused: Libby Coppinger's Journey from Camogie Field to Financial Glory
Libby Coppinger, the four-time All-Ireland champion camogie player with the Cork senior team, displays an unwavering determination on the field that mirrors her professional life off it. As a full-back, she stands as one of the finest Cork defenders, embodying the iron resolve of the finest traditions of her club.
Mind you, injuries haven't kept her down – not even last year. She boasts an impeccable touch, making her the ideal blend of finesse and grit. Coppinger is not just a force to reckon with on the pitch; she's also a force to be reckoned with in her professional life, where she edges out as a depository officer with Alter Domus, a funds services company.
"When a fund is established, a depository must be appointed to it," Coppinger explains. "We're not involved in the investments or anything like that, but we protect the investor. It's like a version of an audit, ensuring everything's done properly, and all the rules are being followed."
A dramatic shift in 2021 propelled the 28-year-old to this point, having earned a degree in public health. This journey of self-discovery is never-ending, with learning sprinkled throughout. The Blood and Bandage of Cork has always been alive in Coppinger, ever since her days in Kealkill, rising from a camogie stronghold that doesn't exist apparently. St Colum's provided a steady grounding, and she soared.
Though Coppinger played further up the field for the Rebels with the big ball, often being among the scorers, her designated role as a full-back has always been about shielding the house. As the game evolved, so did the challenges faced by full-backs, to a certain extent. The job description remains the same – keep them from scoring.
"As a whole in camogie, skill has skyrocketed, and there are some excellent hurlers out there," Coppinger says. "As a back, you're assigned to mark your player, though there's often sweepers and everything involved. You just have to dominate your battle with the forward. So that hasn't changed. Just make sure they don't score."
Modern camogie has seen a shift, with the game itself high-stakes possessions rather than merely trying to clear the lines. There are more shrewd, intricate runs, and Coppinger affirms that maintaining focus is crucial to keeping up with the action.
"There's more licence to engage in a bit of hurling yourself," Coppinger adds. "Before, you were perhaps just there to stop them playing. Now, you're actively playing as well. It's important to give the ball to the most advantageous player on the field. So hurling-wise, everyone's stepped up a level.
"Possession has become integral to the game, making it more mentally taxing than physically demanding," she concludes.
Coppinger's motivation to wear the Blood and Bandage was never in doubt. Despite the work involved in playing both codes, she's eyes set on reaching new peaks. As the Cork team endeavors to race through the hurdles of the Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Championship, securing their first Very League Division 1A medal was a major accomplishment for Coppinger and her teammates.
"We got a lot of wisdom from the league, with players building and gaining game time," Coppinger reflects. "We'd been striving for the league the past few years, so it was delightful to finally clinch it this year. We're beyond thrilled to own the medal."
Regrettably, injury sidelined Coppinger during the All-Ireland last year, a setback she still wrestles with as she contemplates the miles she's racked up through the years playing both codes for Cork. She's hopeful the integration of the Gaelic games associations will take place in 2027, as promised, aiding those that want to play both codes.
"I suppose the thought of playing both more intensified this year. I suppose it was about getting my body back to its previous level, but I felt compelled to give it a go. Abandoning ship before trying is futile," Coppinger ponders.
As for the integration, she's confident that it will happen and benefit everyone involved.
"It's our choice to play at an inter-county level, and that complicates it slightly. But the volume of girls playing dual at the club level is remarkable, and we don't want to deter that, especially given the declining numbers involved in sport," she concludes.
Taking a hiatus from action due to injury, Coppinger returned to the pitch for the defeat of Clare last weekend and is eager to build on that this afternoon at Chadwicks Wexford Park.
"Things haven't been picture-perfect yet, but we're gradually improving in every game, aiming for the semi-final spot, and then reevaluating. But Wexford is our primary focus," Coppinger shares. "We've dealt with a few injuries and have great competition in the team, with players vying for spots. We're just trying to enhance our performances in games, hoping the results will follow suit."
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Libby Coppinger demonstrates an exceptional blend of sports finesse and grit, both on the camogie field and in her professional life as a depository officer. Modern camogie requires a high level of focus to keep up with the intricate runs and possessions, much like Coppinger's dedication in her career.
