2022 was a particularly joyous year for James Stephens camogie star Sophie O'Dwyer, who claimed the O’Duffy Cup with her Kilkenny teammates after a thrilling season. O'Dwyer's goal in the 58th minute was crucial in powering the Cats to their 15th All-Ireland camogie title. Her impressive performance throughout the season allowed O'Dywer to be named the Top Scorer in the 2022 All Ireland Camogie Club Championship, a well-deserved title. This week, we headed to Kilkenny to go ClubSpotting with Sophie O'Dwyer.
1. Describe your first memory of your local GAA club?
My first memories playing with my club would probably be the underage blitz’s. They were what I enjoyed the most at that age because all you wanted to do was play matches!
2. Who were your sporting idols growing up?
Henry Shefflin and Rafael Nadal. I used to idolise Henry and how accurate he was with the frees, and was also a huge fan of watching Nadal in the Wimbledon every year too!
3. What has been the proudest moment of your playing career so far?
Would have to be winning the 2022 Senior All Ireland with Kilkenny, especially with such an unbelievable group of players and management team. We put everything into that year and there was a lot of setbacks on and off the pitch so it was very special.
4. Who is the toughest opponent you have faced?
Would have to be Claire Phelan in training. She’s the most skilful back I’ve ever played with. She’d be flicking balls over your head and everything, just impossible to get the ball off her once it’s in her hand.
5. Who is the best player you have played with?
Would have to be Denise Gaule. She’s something else, such an intelligent player, has all the skill in the world and she’s also probably the hardest worker on the pitch at the same time.
6. What are your hopes and ambitions for the new season?
Hoping that we can consistently hit our potential come championship and obviously the long-term goal is to win the All Ireland.
What is ClubSpot?
ClubSpot offers a wide range of features to ease the burden on volunteers in sports clubs and to help clubs increase their revenues. With a wide range of features, online payment and a customised Club App included.
To arrange a free product demonstration for your club, contact info@clubspot.app or click the button below: