If you’ve been following the exploits of the Down Camogs this year you’ll know they’re into the All-Ireland Final on September 19th against Cork in Croke Park. You’ll have heard no doubt about Mairin McAleenan’s scoring exploits, or Teresa Magowan’s heroics between the posts…but what about Colleen Grant?

Colleen, a member of the Kilcoo Club near Castlewellan, joined the Down panel at the beginning of the year. One of the youngest members of the squad at 18, the student at Newry and Kilkeel Institute admits to finding the step-up the Inter-County level a big change. “ At the start it was difficult because it was such a big change from what I was use to at club level. The first big difference was the training. It was much tougher, but my fitness level has improved big time. Then the game was faster and more skilful but that only meant I had to work harder. Now I feel my stick-work have improved immensely and I have more confidence in my own game. And then without doubt you had to be completely committed, a case of all or nothing I suppose.”

But that initial first training session had to be a bit daunting? “I suppose thinking back it was but I already knew some of the girls from Club matches and I was instantly made to feel part of the squad. What helped too was the fact that the initial training was fairly fitness based and that meant we were encouraging each other along and training very much as a complete squad.”

With Down very much a-buzz with talk of Croke Park, Colleen agrees that the reaction has been tremendous to the team’s success so far. “There’s a great amount of goodwill in the County towards the team. I’ve had a fair few people congratulating me and wishing the team good luck for the final, and talking to the other girls they’re getting the same sort or reaction. And it’s not just from Camogie people. Down Gaels have a history of supporting County deals no matter what the game and the reaction to the team’s success so far is an indication of that. I think too that the fact we’re the only Down County team to have made it to Croke Park this year has added to people’s interest.”

Throughout Down, Camogie Clubs have been booking buses and ordering match tickets as an army of Red and Black bedecked fans make plans for their trip to Croke Park. For Colleen, with her Mum and Dad, two brothers and four sisters heading to Dublin, she’ll have her own band of supporters cheering on the Mourne County. “The rest of my family will definitely be there…and I’m sure they’ll be well heard! The Club too are bringing a coach load of supporters. It’s just as big a success for Kilcoo Camogie Club as it is for me. Without the support, the coaching and the encouragement I’ve had from the Club, particularly from my club manager Marty Smith, I wouldn’t be heading to Croke Park at all.”

With the final only a matter of weeks away, sorry, Colleen had to be asked the most obvious question! Are you looking forward to the All-Ireland weekend?
"Without a doubt it is a dream come true. I can’t explain the thoughts that are going through my mind; it is unreal. All the team building, the hard work and dedication, training and matches, in the best and the worst of the weather have been well worth it. I always dreamed of being in Croke Park, finally my dream has come through.”