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Nine-time All-Star Kate Kelly believes that the effectiveness of Galway's plan to shut down Cork's Saoirse McCarthy could tip the balance either way in Sunday’s All-Ireland Camogie final at Croke Park. McCarthy’s standing as a Rebel great has long been assured – she has been shortlisted for player of the year in each of the last three seasons – and Cathal Murray’s side will need no reminding that she has the ability to act as Cork’s metronome in the final if her impact goes unchecked. For former Wexford player Kelly, what Galway attempt could have a significant impact not only on McCarthy, but the game as a whole. "Saoirse McCarthy versus Ciara Hickey to me is probably one of the interesting duels that will come up," Kelly told RTÉ Radio 1’s Morning Ireland. "How will Cathal Murray deal with that? Will they still sit Ciara Hickey back? Will they leave Saoirse McCarthy out? "We just hope it doesn't turn into a hugely defensive block." This is the third final in a row between the sides. Add in their previous meeting in 2021 and it’s been a winning margin of three points or less in that trio of finals. Cork goalkeeper Amy Lee reflects on their comprehensive victory over Tipperary in the All-Ireland camogie semi-final #RTESport pic.twitter.com/4iUJJz02o8 — The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) July 25, 2026 Predictions would appear a fool’s game ahead of what is expected to be another to-the-wire affair, but Kelly’s eye is caught by the red. "Both teams are giving nothing away and Cork are coming into it playing themselves down saying they’ve lost a lot of players. "You look at Galway, they’ve lost keys players as well and none less than Sabina Rabbitte, getting her thumb broken and undergoing surgery this week – she's ruled out. "You’d have to say both teams are playing everything very close to the chest. "It’s an interesting one (for Cork) with Gemma O’Connor (coach), Dónal O’Grady (analysis) there in the background – no strangers to rebuilding a team. "The girls that've come in, and people probably don’t see this, but the likes of Millie Condon and Izzy O’Regan, Isobel Sheehan, they are in the background in that panel the last number of years. "They’ve been on the side-lines waiting for that opportunity to get that first-15 jersey so while they have a lot of new players coming in, they're no strangers to being up in Croke Park, they're no strangers to being around the dressing room." Kelly also said that the momentum injection of an All-Ireland Under-23 win is not something that should be downplayed either. Galway were the first ever winners of the competition in July last year with their seniors completing an All-Ireland final double against the Rebels a month later. Back in May, Cork hammered Kilkenny in this year’s Under-23 decider with Galway being dethroned by the Cats in the semi-final. "Last year there was a lot of talk on the (Galway) Under-23 win, it have given that little bit of a lift to Galway going into it. "Cork have done it this year, you’d wonder how that’ll impact. That fresh blood brings a sense of eagerness and excitement to a team." Watch the All-Ireland Camogie finals on Sunday from 11.45am on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, including the senior final of Cork v Galway at 4.15pm. Follow our live blog on the senior final on RTÉ.ie/sport and RTÉ News app and listen to commentary on RTÉ Radio 1. Watch highlights on The Sunday Game from 9.30pm.