Geraghty staying grounded for final challenge against Kerry

Tuam Cortoon defender will captain Galway

By Oisín Noone

KATE Geraghty already has the experience of an All-Ireland final, but Sunday’s showdown with Kerry will bring a new responsibility for the Tuam Cortoon defender.

Two years after lining out in Croke Park as Galway reached their first senior decider in five years, Geraghty will now lead the Tribeswomen into the biggest game of the season as captain. However, despite the significance of the occasion, the 25-year-old insists Galway cannot afford to get caught up in the emotion of it.

“It’s a special feeling,” said Geraghty. “I think you just have to bring it back down to the football at the end of the day. It’s just another game and that’s kind of what you have to focus on.”

That calm approach has been reflected in Galway’s championship campaign. While their forwards have received deserved praise for their scoring contributions, Geraghty believes the team’s success has been built on collective effort across the pitch.

“I think everyone has a really good work ethic, and I think our defensive structure has improved in the last couple of years, and you trust all the girls around you,” she said.

That defensive organisation was evident when Galway limited Armagh to just eight points in the semi-final. Geraghty was tasked with curbing the influence of star forward Aimee Mackin, holding the former Player of the Year to just a point from play.

The Galway captain was quick to dismiss the idea that the battle was won through individual efforts alone, instead pointing towards the work of those around her.

“I suppose a lot of the play was up in the forward line, so it helped that the ball wasn’t down our side as much in that game.

“But the middle third I thought worked really hard in cutting out that ball in as well. We had Siobhán [Divilly] dropping back, so that was a huge help as well.”

Galway’s attacking threat has also been built on contributions throughout the team.

“I think you definitely need the mix of both,” Geraghty explained.

“We have the players that are scoring from the half-back line, half-forward line, full-forward line, they’re such a good mix of players, and the girls coming off the bench as well are making a huge impact.”

The Galway captain also highlighted the importance of their defensive pressure beginning further up the field, with their forwards setting the tone through their work rate.

“The girls are going above and beyond, they’re putting on a press, and they’re getting turnovers high up the pitch, and getting scores from that,” she said.

Away from football, Geraghty balances inter-county sport with her career as a manufacturing engineer with Medtronic in Mervue, while Tuam Cortoon remains central to her journey.

That connection will be evident in Croke Park on Sunday, with strong local support expected to travel for Galway on the big day.

“It’ll be special to see support up there on the day,” said Geraghty. “Friends and family being up at the game supporting you, can’t ask for anything more.”

For Galway, Sunday’s final represents another opportunity to build on the lessons of previous disappointments. For Geraghty and her teammates, the memory of last year’s extra-time semi-final defeat to Dublin remains a source of motivation.

“The hurt after the semi-final last year, we were so close and nearly got over the line. In extra-time Dublin just got one up on us and everyone kind of regrouped at the beginning of the year.”

That experience has helped shape Galway’s campaign, but Geraghty insists their focus remains on the performance rather than the prize itself.

“You can visualise it and hope that that’s what happens, but I think you just have to focus on the game really.”

The challenge now is Kerry, with Geraghty expecting a different test from the opponents Galway have overcome so far.

“I think they play a kicking style, so we’ll have to adapt to that. They play a lot differently to the likes of Armagh and Mayo.”

For Galway’s captain, the message remains simple. The occasion may be bigger, but the approach stays the same.