See what it takes to be good driving on Gillane and Limerick

By Daragh Ó Conchúir

Sarah Gillane may be relatively new to the Limerick camogie team, but the Patrickswell keeper is already comfortable taking on a leadership role.

Now completing his first year of full-time teaching at Árd Scoil Rís, the all-boys secondary school where his older brothers Aaron and Jason, along with many Limerick hurlers past and present, developed their skills, Gillane is a natural mentor.

German may be his official subject, but helping and developing young players is also a passion. She currently helps out with the U6s at Patrickswell, coaches the first year hurling team at the school and is also involved with the hockey team.

From Patrickswell to the Limerick senior team

Gillane was part of the Limerick junior panel that reached the Glen Dimplex All-Ireland final during her Leaving Cert year in 2019. However, the 25-year-old only received her senior call-up last season.

She had captained Patrickswell in 2024 and played a key role as the club won both the Limerick Intermediate Championship title and, last November, the Munster Junior Cup.

Gillane has continued this form this season. His performance in the Munster semi-final defeat to eventual champions Tipperary drew widespread praise, particularly for the quality of his shot-stopping.

“We knew before the Tipperary game that they would bring huge intensity and huge experience,” Gillane said.

“They always do, but it was great to be able to match their energy and work rate during periods of the game, especially when we look at them as a Division 1A team.

“That’s the goal. That’s what you’re looking to achieve, and it’s great to have the chance to play teams like that to see where you’re at.”

Inspired by Jason Gillane and Nickie Quaid

Goalkeeping has changed massively in recent years, and Gillane has obvious role models close to home in her brother Jason and Limerick legend Nickie Quaid.

Jason’s drive has pushed Quaid to continue to improve, while both men’s commitment to excellence continues to inspire Sarah.

“Watching Jason in the bases and Nickie Quaid with the pitchers, it’s awesome. That’s the motivation behind it.”

“You can see what these goalkeepers are putting in to achieve results, because inevitably that’s an important role too.”

Limerick Camogie strengthens belief

Gillane also saw the impact of Limerick’s golden age of hurling up close, with Aaron Gillane at the center of a team that won five of the last eight All-Ireland senior hurling titles.

Rather than seeing this success as a burden, she sees it as motivation for Limerick camogie.

“At home, seeing what Aaron and Jason put into it, and what they offer to their teams, and what they sacrifice, it’s really motivating.”

She believes there has been a major change in mentality within Limerick camogie in recent years.

“I think everything is really positive now, and there is serious motivation in the group. We know what we can do and it’s about conveying that in all these games.”

Kilkenny Challenge opens championship campaign

Limerick begin their All-Ireland Championship campaign tomorrow with a trip to UPMC Nowlan Park to face Kilkenny at 3.30pm.

Kilkenny narrowly missed out on a place in the Division 1A League final due to the score difference to eventual winners Galway, so Limerick face a serious test from the first round.

Gillane, however, welcomes the new structure of the Championship, which gives teams a run of matches and a clear path to the quarter-finals.

“The championship is what we train for all year, so we’re really excited to go.”

For Gillane and Limerick, the challenge is clear. They want to set their standards, seize the opportunity and continue to progress towards the level they think they can achieve.

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