A Journey of Growth and Triumph
Since joining the Galway senior camogie panel at the beginning of 2024, Niamh Mallon has experienced a dynamic and rewarding journey in a maroon jersey. The Portaferry native has significantly enhanced the Maroons’ forward line and is set to play a pivotal role in the Glen Dimplex All-Ireland senior camogie final against Cork on Sunday (5:15pm, live on RTÉ2). Ahead of the match, Mallon is excited about the opportunity to be part of camogie’s most prestigious event for the second consecutive year.
“We’re really looking forward to it,” she says. “It’s been a long 12 months since we were in this position. An awful lot of work has gone in from everyone on and off the field. We can’t wait to just get out on the pitch at this stage.”
Mallon feels that the team is in a strong position as a group, having built cohesion throughout the championship. She highlights the progress made through the season, particularly in their last two games against Waterford and Tipperary.
“In our last two games in particular, I think we’ve come on a lot. We were playing against two very strong teams in Waterford and Tipp. The Waterford game was a straight shootout for a semi-final, and we played really well that day in bad conditions. Then we had the Tipp game, and I think that was our best performance of the year to be honest. It’s definitely given us a confidence boost as a team.”
A New Chapter in Galway
Seven years ago, an opportunity arose for Mallon to work in Orreco, a sports technology company based in Galway city. She moved west and has since settled full-time in the area. During the pandemic, she returned home to Portaferry but eventually came back to Galway. Work remains busy, but she finds it rewarding.
“I came to Galway in the summer of 2018; I started working for Orreco in Galway city and I’ve been here since. During Covid, I moved back home (to Portaferry) and was working from home, but after that I came back down to Galway again. Work is always busy, but it’s good.”
Despite her move, Mallon continued to represent her native Down, where she was a star player for 13 years. The team won the All-Ireland intermediate championship in 2020, and Mallon maintained her impressive scoring rate as the Mourne outfit retained senior status.
At the start of 2024, however, the long commute for training and matches became too much, prompting her to join Cathal Murray’s Galway squad.
“I’m very grateful to everybody for welcoming me in with open arms, to be honest. I’m very fortunate that people have been so welcoming to me here, and I definitely don’t take that for granted. I’ve enjoyed this year even more than last year, I think I’m more settled here now and more familiar with everything.”
A Season of Success and Learning
The success of her move was highlighted when she was awarded her first All Star at the end of last season. However, the year ended disappointingly as Galway lost to Cork in the All-Ireland final. This year, Cork remain a formidable opponent, having beaten Galway by 11 points in the League Division 1A final in April.
“They are a serious side, nobody’s doubting that. But we’ll take a lot of learnings from last year’s final, and the League final. Hopefully, we’ll be able to right a few wrongs. But look, we’re under no illusions about the task that’s in front of us.”
Mallon was given a new role in 2025, playing in the half-forward line—a tactic used in last year’s final. While the position is relatively new for her, she has found it rewarding.
“It’s definitely something different, and it’s taken some getting used to. I haven’t played much in the half-forward line during my career, I’ve played nearly all of it inside. So, yeah, it’s different, in some ways you’re more involved, you get your hands on the ball that bit more. There’s a bit more work involved in some ways too, but that’s just part of it. I’m really enjoying playing there.”
Balancing Camogie and Football
Mallon is also part of the Galway senior football set-up, serving as team nutritionist for the last two seasons under Pádraic Joyce’s management.
“It’s been really enjoyable. I’ve definitely learned a lot from the experience. It’s been challenging in ways; ultimately, it’s a high-performance environment. They demand the best in everything and you’re just trying to add some value to it. You’re always trying to add something that might give the lads an extra couple of percent on the day of a game.”
A Year to Remember
Over the past 12 months, Mallon has experienced significant personal and professional growth. She married her partner, Cushendall hurler Dominic Delargy, during a gap week in the League, won her first All Star, and played in her first All-Ireland senior final. The chance to lift the O’Duffy Cup at Croke Park this weekend would be the perfect way to conclude a remarkable chapter in her life.
“It’s been a whirlwind couple of years, and to get over the line on Sunday would be absolutely massive. But look, it’s massive for everyone; the players and management and everyone involved in the group. I think a lot of the girls have matured in the last 12 months, and hopefully we can finish it off now.”