Áine Keane calls for more research into ACL injuries in women's sport
Michael Bolton
Having missed the 2025 camogie season through an ACL injury, Galway's Áine Keane is calling for more research into why so many are happening in women's sport.
Keane was sidelined as Galway stopped Cork's chances of three straight All-Ireland titles in the final in August.
While proud of her teammates and county, it was a challenging year for the Galway woman, who is on the road to recovery following an ACL injury.
A serious, long-term injury that is becoming all too common for women in sport, the Galway Camogie player is concerned by how regular it has become for women.
"It is definitely concerning. The women's Premier League, since September, has had 11 cruciate injuries, which is incredible to think about.
"We need to think more into it, we need more research, we need more reasons why. Mine was a contact, so unfortunately, it wasn't even my fault, just a hyperextension through force.
"There are so many non-contact ACLs that need to be looked into, whether that is our hormones, our build-up, our hips, footwear even. Our bodies are so different to the male body. There are not as many male athletes, thanks be to god, doing it.
"If a player does it, look into them. If anyone came to me and said I want to do research on you, I would say Absolutely no bother, it's time.
"The smallest bit of research could have a massive impact down the line."
While it was a season to remember for her teammates, it has been a year when Áine's mental strength and patience have been put to the test.
Having had surgery in August, the Galway woman described the mental toll it takes and what is involved in the recovery process.
"It has been tough; there is no point in telling you any different. Unless you go through something like this, you don't fully understand the rehab and how mentally challenging it can be.
"You go through the stages of pre-hab before surgery, and then it is a rough road from there. I have tried every month to see progress in some way. I have been lucky; I haven't had any real setbacks, which has been brilliant. That has made it a lot easier.
"It is about patience and keeping yourself moving in the right direction."
A key player for Galway, watching on the sidelines was not easy for Áine, who has been part of this journey for the last few years.
Having not played a role in the final, her immediate emotion was pride for her teammates.
"For me, the overwhelming feeling I had was how proud I was of the girls. How unbelievably well they performed. I could see in training that they were improving as the weeks went on.
"There is that part of me with bittersweetness to be not on the pitch. When you win an All-Ireland, you want to have an impact somehow. It was four years in the making."
Looking to the future, the latter stages of the Ashbourne Cup with the University of Limerick might be a step too far, but it has not been ruled out as a comeback date.
"I am back running three weeks. It is probably coming a bit quickly for me. It is around seven months when the Ashbourne ends. Nothing is being ruled out, but it is probably a bit early for me.
