Galway Soaring Star winner Ciara Hickey admitted it was a 'surreal' experience to win an award this evening, months after after winning the Intermediate Camogie title for her county.
It was a long year for Hickey to earn this All-Star, who started the year as captain of the Galway minors, who lost the All-Ireland final for Cork.
However, the corner back and her teammates would taste success as they defeated Cork in the Intermediate final in Croke Park when they defeated Cork 0-13 to 0-11, with Hickey putting in a huge defensive display in the final.
7 August 2022; Galway players Ciara Hickey, left, and Caoimhe Reidy celebrate after their side's victory in the Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Intermediate Camogie Championship Final match between Cork and Galway at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
Speaking to Balls.ie after receiving her Soaring All-Star, the Galway back spoke of how it felt to receive the award.
"It's surreal, I actually can't believe I'm here. Just in the first place being here is mad and I'm just so lucky. It's an absolute honour, I can't actually believe I'm here.
Playing on Croke Park was a different level, it was a different experience. It was absolutely unreal and I'm delighted.
We are in a good position, hopefully we will be pushing on to make a senior team. We are all pushing on."
Another player who was key to her side's success was Antrim goalkeeper Aine Graham, who won a soaring award for her 2022 performances at the Camogie PwC 2022 All Stars.
Aine Graham (Antrim) is presented with her Soaring Stars Award by Uachtarán Hilda Breslin and PWC’s Markets Partner David McGee
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne
Graham was a huge part of Antrim's success as they won the Junior All-Ireland Camogie title, defeating Armagh in the final 5-5 to 0-13, with Graham making vital saves in the final.
Aine Graham was among five Antrim nominations in tonight's All-Star awards, winning the award for best goalkeeper ahead of Cork's Stefanie Beausang and Galway Intermediate winner Fiona Ryan.
Speaking to Balls.ie moments after receiving her award, she claimed it was a 'surreal' experience to be chosen.
" It's been class, them group of girls have just pulled together throughout the year, and it's just been unbelievable. It's good to get the win in the end.
It's definitely surreal, I wasn't really expecting it, especially going up against the two intermediate keepers, coming from the Junior squad it was just a bit of a surprise, but I'm very happy.
The girls are trying to get themselves back together now. A couple of girls went up to senior, so it's just pulling together again and get the panel going for intermediate."
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