Cork camogie captain Ashling Thompson revealed today that she can't fully recall what she said in the acceptance speech due to a concussion sustained towards the end of the All-Ireland final yesterday.
It's been a long journey for the tattoed Milford player, and in an interview with Balls.ie, she revealed she wasn't going to let the big hit she suffered late in the game deter her from carrying out her duties.
I took a heavy knock. My speech was slurred going up the steps but there was no way I wasn't going to lift the cup. I'd be too superstitious to prepare a speech beforehand and I just wanted to speak from the heart. Yesterday was all a blur really which was more to do with the adrenaline rather than the concussion.
I was crying at the final whistle. I didn't want to but I couldn't help it. This just puts the icing on my carer and it's the seal for everything we've worked for.
Thompson was admired publicly during the summer for openly discussing her battle with depression, her struggles with the tragic death of a friend, and how hurling rescued her from despair.
The midfielder also has an assortment of tattoos to represent her personal journey through life, some of which are inspired by her camogie achievements. Thompson said winning the All-Ireland was the culmination of her recovery from those dark days.
All the tattoos mean something. There a reflection of things like family, achievement and religion. I don't go to mass but I would always pray in the bathroom of the dressing room before a game. Even yesterday I forgot something in my hotel room and when I went back for it, I knelt down to say a prayer
Cork will arrive back in the South Mall of Cork City later tonight to continue the celebrations.
