DOWN camogie player Sorcha McCartan believes that the increasingly professional approach of the squad will allow to them adapt quicker to senior level action in 2021.

The Castlewellan forward was instrumental in Down’s All-Ireland Intermediate triumph last season, particularly in their semi-final win over Meath – and as well as team honours she was individually recognised with a spot on the Camogie Association’s Soaring Stars team at the weekend.

On the same night, the All-Star side was announced and some of the sport’s biggest names were included, such as Kilkenny legend Anne Dalton who collected a seventh award. McCartan said that she can’t wait to get playing against those household names.

“The only way we are going to improve is by challenging ourselves against the big dogs,” said McCartan, who is preparing for just her third season in red and black.

“We are all really excited and it’s about getting the conditioning right and dedicating ourselves to the next few months.

“It has to be one of the main things in our lives and everyone has bought into it. That’s why Derek (Dunne) has come back in as manager. That’s the exciting part, that there is a set-up there like never before.”

McCartan was one of six Mourne players named on the Ulster-dominated Soaring Stars 15 with teammates Dearbhla Magee, Fionnuala Carr, Sara-Louise Graffin, Paula O’Hagan and Niamh Mallon also being honoured.

Mallon was also named Intermediate Players’ Player of the Year while Armagh’s Ciara Donnelly won the Junior Players’ Player of the Year award. Donnelly was named on the Soaring Stars team alongside younger sister Leanne, while beaten Intermediate finalists Antrim were represented by Chloe Drain, Niamh Donnelly and Maeve Kelly. Roisin O’Keefe of Cavan was also included to ensure a good night for Ulster players.

“I didn’t expect it,” said McCartan of her award. “My daddy asked me about it recently and I said definitely not.

“I was on Twitter and I refreshed it and it came up that I had won one, so I went in and surprised him. He was more excited than I was. You’re just as good as the players around you, so many of the players could have got one. We have so many top performers on the team.”