'This is what dreams are made of' - O'Sullivan and Forrest

There are victories, and then there are days that become part of a club's history forever.

As jubilant supporters spilled onto the pitch at Azzurri Walsh Park and flags waved above emotional celebrations, Gailltír's players savoured a moment many had spent years chasing. The dethroning of champions De La Salle was more than just a county final victory. It was the culmination of countless training sessions, sacrifices and setbacks, and for captain Alannah O'Sullivan and scoring star Laoise Forrest, it was the reward for a belief that had been quietly building long before throw-in.

Having secured a memorable 0-15 to 0-12 victory, O'Sullivan revealed that the squad had sensed something special was brewing in the weeks leading up to the decider.

"It's kind of what dreams are made of, if I'm honest," she said.

"It's actually something we probably would never have said was within our capabilities, but over the last couple of weeks there's been something, a bit of an aura in the dressing room. Genuinely, I've never felt that before.

"Today we had a really good feeling in our stomachs, especially coming off the back of a massive win last week, and I think we showed proper heart and determination out there and got what we deserved."

Gailltír's determination was perhaps most evident in the closing stages of a fiercely contested final when they found another gear to pull clear of their rivals.

O'Sullivan pointed to the commitment shown by players away from official training sessions as a key factor behind their success, highlighting the contribution of dual star Molly Comfort, whose late scores helped steer her side over the line.

"The work some of the girls are putting in individually outside of training, on top of the four or five nights a week we're already doing, that's what it comes down to," she said.

"Today they got their just reward. I'm honestly so proud of every single one of them. We've achieved what we wanted to achieve this year and now we're going to drive on and try to do more."

Among the leading performers was Forrest, whose accuracy from frees once again played a pivotal role, including one stunning long-range effort that drew admiration from all corners of Walsh Park.

The sharpshooter admitted the county final triumph ranked among the most special moments of her career.

"That's a really special one," she said.

"I think this year, especially in the last couple of weeks, we've had a never-say-die attitude and it's really shown.

"The girls had that football win behind them from last week and that drove us on this week. De La Salle bring a battle every single year and it was no different today."

Despite her own scoring exploits, Forrest was adamant that the victory belonged to the entire team.

"It took all 15 of us," she said.

"I don't think anyone stood out individually. All 15 of us died with their boots on out there today. It's a credit to the girls. Every single one of us put in an unbelievable effort and thankfully we got the result."

The success continues a remarkable campaign for the club, which has already enjoyed glory on the football field and now faces the exciting challenge of balancing dual Munster campaigns.

Forrest believes the character shown by the group throughout the season leaves them well equipped for whatever lies ahead.

"To even say that is remarkable," she said.

"We've managed it all along and here we are with two county titles. If anyone can do it, we can.

"We've gotten this far now and I don't think there's anything that's going to stand in the way of how much further we can go. We've crossed one bridge now and we'll go and cross the next one."

Saturday's final was also a showcase for the strength of senior camogie in Waterford, with two outstanding teams producing a contest worthy of the occasion.

Forrest believes the game in the county is continuing to grow, thanks to the emergence of talented young players and increasing support from local communities.

"Every year there are girls coming through, minors coming through and more support coming in behind us," she said.

"It's absolutely brilliant. There were more people here again this year compared to last year and we're always getting great support.

"I think ourselves and De La Salle are two teams helping to drive things on in Waterford, but there are other teams creeping up behind us too. We just need to keep it going and bring them along with us."