Dublin's Carla Rowe inspired by Katie Taylor ahead of National League
Michael Bolton
As Katie Taylor spoke in front of a crowded room in Croke Park, among the people in the crowd inspired by her words was Dublin's Carla Rowe.
The captain of her county with five All-Ireland titles, Rowe has women all over the county, and indeed, Ireland looking up to her.
Nevertheless, she was just as taken aback by Taylor's journey and hopes to take her words to inspire the next generation of girls in Ireland, hoping to make their mark in sport.
"For me, she just constantly had a dream, and she did whatever it took to chase that dream, to make sure that dream happened for her - not only for her, for the bigger impact of female sports across Ireland.
"There was no barrier that was big enough to stay in her way.
"That's the way it is now - there are still barriers there now for females in sport, but you can keep the head down, keep fighting and be humble about it, which is what she was absolutely."
Once again, Dublin is the team to beat as their season gets underway this weekend.
Looking back at their All-Ireland final win over Meath, the Dublin forward thought of Taylor's speech to the British and Irish Lions team in Australia.
"I think that quote came out when we were coming into our All-Ireland final before that Lions game: if you can win by skill, do it, but if you can't, win by will. I remember just thinking, 'God, she is so right, there's no excuse."
All-Ireland winners Dublin get their campaign underway this Saturday against Kerry, who were Division One winners last season.
Two sides that have had plenty of battles through the years, Rowe is looking forward to the challenge they will bring to Parnell Park.
"Kerry is a phenomenal footballing team and one that will definitely give you a good wake-up on your first league match. We know they'll come at a huge amount of intensity, we know they'll come down to Dublin with a big crowd as well, and we look forward to that.
"They're the challenges that you learn the most from, they're the challenges where our players and girls who are getting the opportunities to go and play, that's where they'll develop the most."
After the disappointment of going out in the quarterfinals in 2024, Dublin regrouped in 2025 to once again be All-Ireland champions.
It looked like it would be further despair against the Tribeswomen, until a last-second Hannah Tyrell free sent the game to extra-time, which Dublin came out the other side of.
A game which had everyone on edge, Carla was happy for Tyrell to be the one to take the free kick.
"It was a hold-your-breath moment. The feeling is still nervousness and shock; it was so tight.
"It was a kick of a ball between the two of us. For Hannah to nail that kick, she was the best person to be over that. Thank God it was on the left and not on my right!
"There were a lot of elements that fell in our favour for that kick to be kickable. That is sport, sometimes it goes for you, sometimes it goes against you. All those memories and emotions, you keep them with you.”
The last couple of years have brought a lot of change for Dublin, but they have constantly found a way to adapt.
After 2024, Mick Bohan stepped down as manager, with co-managers Paul Casey and Derek Murray bringing success in their first year in charge.
Another challenge this season will be replacing the scores of Ladies Player of the Year Tyrell, which Rowe admits will be difficult.
"Hannah’s numbers are phenomenal, but I know for myself, you never look at it that way. If you go out and try your best for your team and you play for the team the way you need to play, I feel like everybody on the team is benefiting. If we are all doing the same job, the scores will naturally happen.
"That is what would have happened, for me, or for Hannah, or anyone who was scoring really well; there would have been girls in the background doing the bits we are trained to do, and we just happen to reap the rewards."
