It's 8 am and a stern knocking on the door awoke us early Sunday morning. The nerves of All-Ireland Sunday hadn't hit yet!

By 8.15 am we were togged and ready to go.

A noisy, yet focused, group of young women were sitting down to breakfast aware of the task ahead, yet not panicking. Laughter and shouting could be heard as an air of calm set in.

After a light breakfast we went outside immediately. The wide open playing fields of Maynooth College had been our training ground before the semifinal. Would they prove as lucky today? We rehearsed some last minute drills, free kicks, general shooting and of course, the important substitution. After a few pacey runs we retired, once again, for the bedrooms and a relaxing massage. Soon it was 1.00 am and it was off to the hotel to get those last minute energy foods.

While at the hotel all was calm. We were now starting to focus on the daunting task ahead - Waterford. Of course there were the final touches such as - the National Anthem to be worked on. All over the hotel the sound for Amhrán no BhFiann rang out - then we boarded the bus.

Back to the College, it was now 12.30 as we climbed the long concrete steps of Maynooth College for the last time. We had half an hour to rest and focus on the Game.

At 1.00 we packed our bags and departed the college but not before a blessing of the bus and the players by Fr. Stephen Farragher.

Escorted by two police motorcyclists we sped through the city. The tension now rising. The importance of the match and the day now dawning as all the traffic was stopped to clear our way to Croke Park.

As I gazed around the tension, worry, stress, anxiety, whatever you want to call it, was visible on every ones faces, from No. 1 - 30, and from the bus driver to Manager, the reality of the challenge ahead had now 'sunk in'!

Lights flashed and sirens blared as we arrived at Croke Park. We walked down the tunnel into the dressing-rooms. It was my first time in the dressing-rooms, the size amazed me - they were huge. We had our own dressing-room, shower, toilets, a safe to put valuables in, a room of mirrors to do our hair and our very own gym. What a contrast to the training grounds of Davitt College, Castlebar on a cold, mucky, winter's night!

It was now 1.45 we decided to walk up to the pitch and sample, for ourselves, the atmosphere. The crowd was already gathering. Flags and banners swayed gently in the light breeze. It was a a perfect day for football!

At 2.00 we went to the dressing-rooms, togged out, then into the gym for a light warm-up and our last, all important, team talk. 'It is now or never'!

AT 2.40 we left the dressing-rooms, checking the last minute things, the hair, the boots and most important for me, the slip of paper for my introduction. We stormed out of the dressing-room, All Guns Blazing!

As we ran up those famous steps all the nerves, anxiety and worries we had disappeared. We had a dream - to play and win in Croke Park. Were we going to do it? As we reached the top of the steps the cheering hit us like a brick wall. The supporters were out in force. We had to do them proud. We sat on the bench for a photo and then continued the warm-up. The team took their positions. I waited anxiously for the first break in play - my opportunity. It came after 47 seconds. I ran on delighted to have gotten the chance to play on the most important day - All Ireland Sunday. I handed the slip of paper to the referee and took my position.

The rest, they say, is History.

By Orla Casby.