HART’ IS SET ON THE TITLE
THE MANNER in which she namechecks people who have helped her along her path is probably informative, not just when it comes to
Rachel Harty’s success as a camogie player, but in her influence on others as a soccer coach.
Standing outside the clubhouse at the Cork Camogie grounds in Blackrock, Harty makes no reference to her ‘other life’ and how she has helped shape the career of others.
It is clearly compartmentalised.
With Rebel skipper Finola Neville sidelined by a second cruciate knee ligament injury, nine years after her first, Harty will lead the Rebels onto the pitch in Sunday’s Glen Dimplex All-Ireland intermediate final against Galway at Croke Park.
It makes sense that Trevor Coleman would have given the 24-yearold Ballyhea clubwoman a leadership role, even though he knew nothing of her soccer experience until this week.
A teacher at Cork Educate Together Secondary School, Harty, who played soccer in the Women’s National League player with Cork City, is now a B licence-qualified coach, blazing a trail as a woman in that sphere and given high praise for her role assisting manager Craig Hurley as Treaty United won the Under-17 WNL title last year.
Engine
Yet she speaks disarmingly about the nerves she knows will tickle and tingle until Gavin Donegan throws the sliotar in between the quartet of midfielders on Sunday, of which she, a non-stop engine, will be one.
“I can’t wait,” says Harty with genuine glee. “2018 was when Cork last won it and they had to get a new squad in completely then. This is the first time going up for a lot of us so nerves might be a thing but we’re definitely excited and looking forward to it.
“It’s a big opportunity. The build-up to it is fantastic and the day itself will be great but there’s a job to be done as well at the end of the day.
It’d be a sickener to go all the way up and not perform so we’re definitely focussed on that as well.”
Playing senior remains an ambition and Harty draws on other legendary figures in the continuation of the journey.
“Your goal is always to play at the best level. Brian Cody said it well when he said you’re never at your highest. You’re always trying to improve. You’re never at the top. You’re always pushing to be the best.
“An example is
Ashling Thompson (another St Mary’s product). You’re always trying to be a player like that. But you’re never at your potential. So it would be a dream of mine to play for the seniors. Whether that happens or not, who knows?
Support
“I’ve great support.
I’m very lucky that I can talk to the likes of Ashling. Julia White has been another huge support of mine. Just chatting to experienced players like that. They tell you what to do to get there, what you need to do. How to stay level-headed and whether you’re doing the right things or not. So it’s great to have those influences in your life.”
Harty assumes the captaincy role on the pitch because of the enforced absence of Neville.
“She’s a massive leader and the fact she got injured is a huge driving force for us as we could see how much it affected her and how emotionally that must be difficult for her. But in fairness to her, you wouldn’t know it now.
“At training and matches, she’s unbelievable. She hides that emotion. Behind closed doors she must be upset but when she’s with us, it’s full steam ahead pushing forward for the end goal. That’s a drive for us as well, to do it for her. She’s been part of the set-up from day one.”
If they finish with their noses in front on Sunday, will they share the walk up the Hogan Stand steps to collect the Jack McGrath Cup?
“Absolutely not. She said she’d lead us so she’s gonna do it on the day, fingers crossed.
“We’ll do it for Finola, hopefully.”