Red-hot Cotter insists cool heads key to Cork progress

There is a lot of positivity coursing through Cork camogie this year.

After the Noughties had provided five titles, the senior side are yet to win an All-Ireland this decade.

Nevertheless, the Rebelettes have been building a strong title claim this year and only unbeaten Kilkenny stand between them and ODuffy Cup glory. Testament to the upbeat nature of the camp was the reaction to the drawn semi-final with Wexford.

A late Una Leacy goal had denied Cork a place in the decider, but star forward Orla Cotter maintains that a calm reaction kept Cork heads in the right place. To let in a goal in injury-time was very disappointing, but we regrouped well and we knew if we played to the best of our ability and got another performance out of ourselves we could beat them on the day. Everyone is going to make mistakes on the day of a match. Its about what you do after the mistake to rectify that and go again for the next ball. We just looked at staying positive and getting another performance.

The subsequent replay win over Wexford was a seminal moment for the Leesiders, coming against opponents who had soundly beaten them in the round robin stage.

The loss to Wexford really made us look at where we were in the year. It was at a midway point and it was our first real test. Wexford came at us at the very start of that game and it was something we werent going to let happen to us again. I think we proved that in the semi-finals.

Cork had exited the 2013 championship at that semi-final stage, losing narrowly to the same opponents who await them in the final. This year, however, Cork will arrive in full knowledge of the battle that awaits them and ready to counter with an onslaught of their own.

Last year we didnt do ourselves justice in the semi-final. I think our attitude this year is a lot stronger and more positive and we know itll be a huge fight on Sunday, but its one were looking forward to.

Cotter has taken over the free-taking this year and her championship tally of 1-40 has helped Cork to wins over the interim All-Ireland champions Galway and Wexford this year. But the St Catherines woman doesnt feel that her new-found responsibility will carry any extra pressure into her fourth final as a starter, and her first operating in advance of the midfield sector. She insists: All over the team people have a job to do. My role is first and foremost to play to the best of my ability and the frees just come along with that. Its an important job but everyone practises for what they do.

Its great if you can get the first one, it sets you up nicely for the day, but if you miss one you just have to look to the next one and hope it goes over.

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Red-hot Cotter insists cool heads key to Cork progress

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