1996 will be forever etched in the minds of the Galway camogie fraternity, and indeed the sporting populous of County Galway. Down through the years, many fine players and officials had held on to a dream - to bring the All-Ireland Senior Camogie Title to Galway - only to taste the bitter pill of defeat again and again . Their efforts were not in vain though, as they provided a tradition, upon which that dream of which that All-Ireland success was nutured. So when Galway Captain Imelda Hobbins accepted the O'Duffy Cup in Croke Park on Sunday September 22nd the dream had been realised. Galway's historic victory was an emotional and satisfying moment for all who had contributed to the development of camogie in the county. The maroon and white invasion of Croke Park, when referee Aine Deerham's final whistle blew, signalled the end of years of frustration.

The road to All- Ireland glory began with a 1-24 to 3-10 victory over Dublin in the All -Ireland quarter final at O'Toole Park, Dublin on July 7th. The training was increased in preparation for Wexford's visit to Loughrea for the Semi-Final on August 25th. In a tight game Galway always had enough in hand and the final scorline of 1-13 to 1-05 booked an All-Ireland final appearance.

Cork were Galway's opponents in the final, they were favourites and were seeking there 18th title. Yet a focused Galway team trailed by a mere 1-09 to 1-06 at half time and into the second half the westeners, full of passion, heart, skill, and character, recorded an historic 4-08 to 1-15 victory.

The homecoming was special, Imelda Hobbins led the panel as they walked across the Shannon in Athlone - a moment of great pride - as the O'Duffy Cup came West at last. Ballinasloe...Kilconnell....Killaan Cross....New Inn....Bullaun....Kilrickle....Cappatagle....Mullagh.....Gurtymadden....Loughrea and finally onto Craughwell. The warmth of the reception given to the entourage as they slowly made their way around the County was a revelation. A fitting tribute to an incredible achievement.

Team: Louise Curry, Olive Costello, Ann Broderick, Olivia Broderick, Pamela Nevin, Dympna Maher, Sharon Glynn, Carmel Hannon, Martina Harkin, Imelda Hobbins [capt.], Denise Gilligan, Veronica Curtin. Subs: Olivia Coen, Gretta Maher, Bridget Kilgannon, Anne Forde, Carmel Allen, Rita Coen, Catriona Finnegan, and Cora Curley.