WATCH: ‘I was stunned when my name was called out' - Mairéad Eviston on her recent All-Star

Mairéad Eviston’s rise has never been built on eye-catching flourishes, but on steady, reliable graft, qualities recognised on Saturday, November 15, when she was named a Camogie All-Star for the first time, taking her place at right wing-back on the 2025 All-Star team.

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The Drom & Inch defender, long regarded as one of Tipperary’s most dependable performers, marked a significant personal milestone in a career defined more by consistency. Mairéad was joined on the shortlist by Karin Blair, Karen Kennedy, Róisín Howard, and Grace O’Brien, reflecting the depth of talent across the squad, even though she was the only player from Tipperary to make the final team.

Mairéad has reflected on the personal significance of the award. “Everyone is very proud at home,” she said. “We went up on the day with no expectations — me, my mam, dad and partner. We had a great night. I was stunned when my name was called out; I think everyone else reacted before I did. “Everyone is absolutely delighted and it is a very proud moment for the family.”

Mairéad carries forward a rich family legacy of sport, being first cousins with Noel, John and Brian McGrath, yet her triumphs are entirely her own. She was at the heart of the Drom & Inch camogie team that carved a historic five-‑in‑-a‑-row of senior county titles by 2023, claiming Player of the Match in the final — a moment that seemed to declare, in no uncertain terms, that winning flows in her veins.

The Evistons might not possess the flick of the wrist or the natural grace of the McGraths, but they have something altogether different and unquantifiable: a ruthless drive and an ambition to extract the very best from themselves. Her brother, Willie Eviston, has similarly forged his path on the field, embodying the same fierce commitment.

Mairéad’s journey to her All-Star has not been straightforward; it has been forged in persistence, resilience, and a quiet determination that refuses to yield. Reflecting on her development as a player, Mairéad was candid about her journey. “I’ve always had a strong work ethic, and that has stood to me,” she said.

“I was athletic, but the hurling side of things wasn’t always there. Looking back to my time on development squads, I was always on the B team because my hurling skills weren’t where they needed to be. It has taken a lot of time, a lot of training, and countless hours on the field, but it has gradually improved.

I still wouldn’t say I am the most skilful player on the team. For me, I would definitely describe myself as a late bloomer.” Reminiscing on the moment her mindset shifted, Mairéad recalls that it has only been in the last four or five years that she truly saw herself as a permanent fixture on the senior team. “I played under ‑16 and minor for Tipperary, but I was never coming on,” she admits.

There was even a brief period when she stepped away from camogie, having lost her love for the game. Then came Covid — a pivotal turning point. “Covid turned things around for me. I got back onto the panel and put serious work in at the gym and on the field.

It is only recently that my mentality shifted, and I realised I could be a big part of this team and make a real impact for Tipp Camogie.” One thing that immediately strikes you upon meeting Mairéad is her commanding physical presence, with her height, strength, and athleticism. On the field, she is built for combat.

Fierce, tough, and uncompromising, she brings a physicality and fearlessness to centre-back that recalls shades of the indomitable Ciara Gaynor, tempered by a sharp intelligence and an uncanny ability to read the game, always knowing where to be and how to influence the play. When asked to reflect on the highlights of this season, Mairéad points to the double-header between Tipperary and Kilkenny at Croke Park.

The quarter-final was a titanic encounter that stretched into extra time and saw Tipp emerge victorious in a thrilling contest. Amid a day brimming with exciting goals from both the hurling and camogie games, Clodagh McIntyre rattled the roof of the net with a sublime finish that sent Tipp across the line.

“It has been a rollercoaster of a season for us,” Mairéad admits. “It didn’t always click from a Tipp perspective, but that Kilkenny game was huge for us. Being part of a double-header made it all the more special. The crowd that came in to cheer us on in extra time really lifted us.

We carried that energy with us into the semi-final in Nowlan Park, where we brought record crowds and incredible support, but it is just a pity we didn’t put in a performance on the day against Galway.”

When asked what Tipp needs to do to reach the next level, Mairéad is thoughtful. “We have new management coming in this year, and bringing a fresh set of eyes is really positive.

This could be the reset we need. I think we have the players, I think we have the skill, so now it is about taking all the hurt from past seasons and channeling it into this one.”

The heartbreak of recent campaigns is still fresh, but Mairéad sees it as fuel rather than a burden, a motivation to finally bring success back to Tipperary camogie.

Looking ahead, there is renewed optimism in Tipperary camogie with the arrival of James Heffernan as senior manager. At a recent meeting of the Tipperary Camogie Board, his management team was ratified, bringing a blend of experience and expertise to the panel.

The backroom team is as follows: Manager – James Heffernan (Clonoulty/Rossmore); Coaches/Selectors – Tony Shelly (Killenaule) and Seamus Hickey (Boherlahan-Dualla); Selector – Noelle Kennedy (Toomevara); Goalkeeping Coach – Kevin O’Sullivan (Cashel King Cormacs); Strength and Conditioning – Ciaran Boyle (Clane, Kildare); Sport Psychologist – Adam Derby (Thurles Sarsfields); Kit and Logistics – Sheena Ryan (Knockavilla-Donaskeigh Kickhams); Physiotherapist – Ciara Gleeson (Silvermines).

The trajectory looks bright for Tipperary camogie, with recent underage success and a number of exciting young players breaking through. The county claimed the Electric Ireland All-Ireland Minor Camogie title in 2024, their first at this grade since 2016, underscoring the strength of their development pathway.

“Last year we had minor players come through such as Lucy Purcell, Sarah Corcoran, and Caitlin Treacy. They are incredible girls and have developed really well. These girls are going to have a massive say in next year’s championship, and I am really looking forward to getting back into training with them,” says Mairéad.

She also highlights burgeoning Tipperary camogie star Caoimhe Stakelum, who stole the show in the 2025 Tipperary Senior Camogie County Final by scoring an astonishing 3-6 for Thurles Sarsfields.

Although Caoimhe and the team were narrowly edged out in the Munster semi-final by De La Salle, her performances signal the arrival of a new generation ready to make their mark at senior level.

For now, it is back to the winter nights of training and preparation for next season, but listening to Mairéad, one thing is clear: her grit and relentless drive to get the most out of herself shines through in everything she does. Her story isn’t one of a rising star from the very beginning—Mairéad has had to graft, to work tirelessly, to reach the level she is at today.

Her journey is a reminder that sport isn’t just about All-Irelands or trophies; it’s about pushing yourself, embracing the process, and striving to maximize every ounce of potential within you.

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