Dunphy now in new territory with Dublin
By Hayden Moore
LUCAN SARSFIELDS’ Ellen Dunphy took her first steps into adult inter-county camogie last weekend, playing a key role for Dublin despite their loss to Westmeath in the Littlewoods Division Two National League.
The 19-year-old has been a noted rising prospect throughout her time with the Dublin underage squads.
Lucan Sarsfield’s Ellen Dunphy played a key role for the Dubs against Westmeath
After flourishing last year with the minor set-up under manager John O’Connell, who also hails from Lucan, the natural path of progression was to move on with the intermediate side.
“The Minor management had been talking to the intermediate managers and, as far as I know, everyone had the opportunity to go in with them,” Dunphy told The Echo.
“Getting the email, it was total shock and relief especially when you consider the year that we had.
“After everything that happened over the last year, it was difficult to think that was going to be it, because it really felt like we weren’t finished with Dublin.
“It’s been quite surreal, so it was nice to be asked to go play with the intermediates. I’m honoured to wear that blue jersey again.”
Dublin Intermediate camogie team play in Division Two of the league and are used as a means to blood players through from underage and the club scene up to the senior squad which competes in Division One.
Dunphy, a talented midfielder, started at the first possible opportunity against Westmeath last weekend.
But victory eluded Dave Dunning’s side as they were undone by a controversial penalty decision late on, losing out 2-5 to 1-10 in O’Toole Park.
The Blues have two more games to play in Group Four, the first of which will see them travel to face Kildare this Saturday.
“It’s a completely different level in adult camogie,” Dunphy admits.
“It’s not easy to get to the first 15, so all you’re really focused on is having a good start, because there are plenty of girls just waiting to get in there.
“There was a bit of nerves at the start, but once you get a few minutes in, it’s just playing with the girls and they’re all so supportive.”
She adds: “I really want to be able to improve my game. We’re a new team and young team, so this year will be all about developing that bond.
“Hopefully then, if I do well, I can one day make my way towards senior.”
A native of Palmerstown, Ellen is currently studying Primary School teaching in Maynooth University.
She just finished placement in her old school in Lucan, Gael Scoil Naomh Phadraig.
With a desire to compete at the highest level, Ellen made the move from St Patrick’s to play for Division One side, Lucan Sarsfields, when she reached Under 15.
“I had started playing football with Lucan at Under 14s and then transferred over fully the next year,” Dunphy tells The Echo.
“It’s a great club, some of my best friends are there in Lucan. I love the whole community around the club, they’re all so welcoming and friendly. I never felt like I was new and you definitely wouldn’t know I only joined the club.”
Ellen also hails from a family that is “big into GAA”, with her two older brothers togging out for St Pat’s and parents enthralled by the games from the sidelines.
“I do take a bit of slagging off them for swapping clubs, but I know they’re proud of me,” she admits.
“My mam and dad go to every match. My mam just loves seeing me in the jersey.
“Even my dad, who is a country man, he’d be there wearing the blue Dublin jersey supporting me.”
Dunphy’s love for Ireland’s national games was harnessed through her time with Cumann na mBunscoil when she was a student in Colaiste Cois Life.
Despite not reaching Croke Park while in school, the gaelgoir one day hopes to step foot on that hallowed turf and in the blue and navy of Dublin.
