Sara Cuddy, a proud Camross native, played a key role in Tipperary’s All Ireland success on Sunday through her exceptional work behind the scenes as one of the physios.
With Tipp claiming a commanding 3-27 to 1-18 victory over Cork in the All-Ireland final at Croke Park, Sara’s contribution was vital to the team’s success.
Sara took time out of the celebrations to speak with LaoisToday about the privilege it was to work with the Tipperary side over the last two years.
She explained how Sunday will remain with her for the rest of her life and also talked about how the build up to the final affected her.
She said: “It was an absolute privilege. The last two years have had it all, the absolute highest of highs and the lowest of lows.
“I am incredibly grateful to be involved and to be a part of the group.
“They’re a special group of players. They have been a joy to work alongside. But Sunday, I have no words.
“Unbelievable. Safe to say I’ll have a grá for Tipperary for the rest of my life.
“The build-up was the same as any other game to be honest. But from my own end, I just loved seeing the flags go up, the excitement around Tipperary in the build-up.
“Seeing how much the county has gotten behind the lads. I always loved that, even at home in the lead up to county finals with Camross.”
With a strong hurling background from Camross, Cuddy always imagined working at pitch side, but it still has to sink that she got to the very top three years after graduating.
Next on Sara’s roadmap is the Dublin City Marathon as she is running in aid of the Dillion Quirke foundation and then she moves to the next chapter of her life with a master’s degree in the offing in Scotland in January but admits she is looking forward to the time off.
She continued: “I knew I wanted to get involved in the pitch side end of the job from the get-go.
“As a sporty person myself I’d want it no other way. But 18-year-old me would have never of imagined this only three years after graduating.
“The next big thing is the Dublin City Marathon; I’m running that in October in aid of the Dillon Quirke foundation.
“They are doing incredible work to help with the prevention of SADS in young adults in Ireland and deserve every ounce of support they can get.
“I’m heading to Scotland then in January. I’ve been accepted into a master’s degree so I’ll be moving across for the next two years which I’m nervous but excited about.
“I’m looking forward for a few days off first and foremost. Going to be helping out one or two clubs here and there as they need cover, but happy to step back a little bit and enjoy the downtime.
“I won’t know what to do with myself now when I get my evenings and weekends back.”
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