Camogie team aims for final while football championships begin
Well that was a tough afternoon in HQ especially for the players and management who gave us so much enjoyment and excitement over the last few months.
The fact that they lost on Sunday should not lessen our admiration for all involved. They are hurting now but I am sure they will come back more determined than ever to land the coveted title.
That’s what good teams do, that’s what Cork do.
For now the focus switches to the camogie team as they bid to reach another All-Ireland Final, while it’s a big weekend for the football clubs as the McCarthy Insurance Group County Championship across all 5 grades gets underway.
Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Senior Camogie semi-final
Cork v Waterford on Saturday in Nowlan Park at 5pm
“It’s where we set out to be at that start of the championship and we are here now and looking forward to Saturday against a very good Waterford team.”
Manger Ger Manley speaking ahead of the game.
Cork eased through the group unbeaten and racking up some big scores along the way, even the one game they were expecting to be close, Tipperary in The Ragg, was a non-event by half-time.
Would that be a concern, that they have not been tested? “A little bit but you can only play what’s on front of you and we just got on with it.”
While going direct to the semi-final is important, as Ger explains: “Because we have had a busy season getting to and winning the league, unfortunately the Munster Championship was never completed so we got in a lot of good hard work in the 4 weeks break and a few niggles we have had are all cleared up.”
As for sharpening up, they've had “very intense in-house games as everyone on the panel are fighting for their place and that the way it should be”.
Ger has huge regard for Waterford, who Cork were due to play in the Munster Final but the shorts/skorts controversy intervened. “They are a very good team - beat Kilkenny which is never easy. They might have lost to Galway but they got out of the group comfortably and we will give them the respect they deserve.”
That sentiment is shared by captain Meabh Cahalane. “We know Waterford are a good team, they were in the All-Ireland Final two years ago and have been very consistent in the last couple of years and they did beat us in the Munster Championship two years ago.”
They even overcame the departure of manager Jerry Wallis earlier in the season, Mick Boland is now in charge. “Exactly which shows that they are a very committed group of players and they do have some excellent players and we know we will have to be at our best to win.”
Lorraine Bray, Niamh Rockett 1-11 in the QF win over Clare, Brianna O’Regan, Beth Carton, Abby Flynn and Keeley Corbett Barry are quality players who will relish the opportunity to end Cork’s reign.
Cork though are well balanced all over the field. Amy Lee is a quality goalkeeper; Pamela Mackey, Laura Treacy, Meabh Cahalane and Aoife Healy anchor a solid defence.
Ashling Thompson and Hannah Looney are a formidable midfield pairing while in attack the pace and scoring ability of Laura Hayes, Saoirse McCarthy, Amy O’Connor and Catriona Mackey have unhinged many a defence and are capable of doing so again.
Waterford come into this game as complete underdogs and that will suit them, but you just feel Cork have too much quality and depth and that will be enough to get them over the line.
Tipperary and Galway meet in the 2nd semi-final that has a 3pm start at the same venue.
McCarthy Insurance Group County Football Championships
Premier Senior
Group 1
Castlehaven v Mallow on Saturday in Ovens at 7.30pm
It’s a tough looking opener for the 3 in a row seeking champions, who will be without the suspended Brian Hurley and of course both Damien and Jack Cahalane have had limited football owing to their hurling commitments.
Mark Collins retains the captain’s armband for the 3rd year in a row and with Michael Hurley, Conor Cahalane and Rory Maguire, they will be favoured to open with a win.
Mallow were semi-finalists last beating the ‘Barr’s in the group stages and with Cork duo Mattie Taylor and Sean McDonnell in their side they will not fear the ‘Haven, a nod to the champions to edge this one.
Valley Rovers v Newcestown on Saturday in Kilmurry at 5.30pm
A bit harder to call this encounter and maybe the incredible spirit and determination that Newcestown possess might get them over the line.
Group 2
Clonakilty v St Finbarr’s on Saturday in Bandon at 7.30pm
It’s a repeat of the D1 league final that the ‘Barr’s won after extra-time, with a massive contribution of 0-18 from Steven Sherlock a big factor in the win.
It has the makings of a real humdinger; Ian Maguire and Billy Hennessey along with hurlers William Buckley, Ethan Twomey and maybe like they did last year after the All-Ireland Final, a limited part for Brian Hayes all key players for the Togher side.
Tom Clancy is still delivering for Clon with Darragh Gough, Luke Griffin, Mark White and Dara O’Se offering excellent support.
It should be as close as the league final, Clon will need to contain Sherlock, if they can do that they could win, if not, they won’t.
Carrigaline v Carbery Rangers on Sunday at 7.30pm in Newcestown
A tough league campaign for last year’s Senior A champions Carrigaline saw them relegated to D2, and this is a tough opener against a seasoned senior side and that experience should see Rangers prevail.
Group 3
Nemo Rangers v Ballincollig on Friday in Páirc Uí Rinn at 7.30pm
Always among the favourites to lift the title, Nemo Rangers, who had a good league campaign will be expected to make a winning start, but Podsy O’Mahoney has invested a lot in this Ballincollig side and they should not be taken lightly, which Nemo certainly will not.
Paul Kerrigan keeps on delivering, Mark Cronin, Micheál Aodh Martin and the O’Donovans Kevin and Alan, Stephen Cronin and Conor Horgan know what’s required to win these opening round games.
Luke Fahy is a big player for Ballincollig if fit - he’s had a terrible run of injuries, Sean Dore, Darragh O’Mahony and prolific scorer Cian Dorgan will need to be at their best to cause an upset.
Douglas v St Michael’s on Saturday at 7.30pm in Shanbally
A city southside clash with Douglas fancied here even if they are without a few players but Sean Powter, Padraig Lucey, Conor Kingston, Conor Russell and Alan O’Hare should have enough in them to win against a Michael’s side that were relegated after a tough league campaign.
Senior A
This has proved to be a very competitive championship in recent years and this one should be no exception with some intriguing encounters scheduled.
Group 1
Éire Óg v Kanturk: teams that were relegated in the last two years, Kanturk had a poor league campaign and Aidan Walsh is a loss which might tilt the tie Éire Óg’s way.
There’s a local derby of sorts with Kilsahnnig stepping up from Premier Intermediate and that momentum could give them an edge against Newmarket.
Group 2
A really tough looking group here where last year’s runners-up Knocknagree open against Cill Na Martra - a game that could ultimately decide who goes where. JF Daly’s side are in D1 of the league for next season, and could just about win this one.
Clyda Rovers with Conor Corbett back in action will be fancied to get the better of North Cork rivals Fermoy although local derbies take on a life of their own.
Group 3
Bishopstown v Doheny’s has a tasty look about it and hard to call, the West Cork side had a good league campaign while the ‘Town avoided relegation with a win in the last round. A hesitant nod to the city side, while Ballingeary and O’Donovan Rossa will be tight and could end level.
Premier Intermediate
Group 1
Bantry Blues and Aghabullogue should be lively, the latter despite their dual affiliation are tough opposition. Ruairí Deane could be vital if fit, his absence might make it harder for the West Cork side to win.
Aghada had a poor run in the league and have had a tough few seasons in both codes but as this is Nemo’s 2nd team, they should win.
Group 2
Glanmire on the back of winning the Intermediate A last season will be very competitive at this grade and with Daniel Hogan and Cathal McCarthy expected to return, they will certainly test Bandon.
Naomh Abán and Rockchapel could this end all square, there’s bound to be one draw.
Group 3
Iveleary with Chris Óg Jones leading their challenge will be favoured to get the better of Kiskeam, while Macroom have shown improvement all season and might prevail against Castletownbere.
Intermediate A
Group 1
Adrigole v Glanworth and Ballinora v St Finbarrs; prediction wins for Adrigloe and Ballinora
Group 2
Gabriel Rangers v Mitchelstown and Dromtarriffe v Kildorrery; prediction wins for Gabriel Rangers and Dromtarrfiffe
Group 3
Boherbue v Ilen Rovers and Kimurry v St Vincent’s - prediction wins for Boherbue and Kimurry.
Premier Junior
Group 1
Ballydesmond v St Nick’s - verdict St Nick’s
Canovee v Urhan - verdict Canovee
Group 2
Cobh v Cullen - verdict Cobh
Na Piarsaigh v Kinsale - verdict Na Piarsaigh
Group 3
Buttevant v Glenville - verdict Buttevant
Inniscarra v Millstreet - verdict Millstreet
It has the makings of an exciting weekend and as the players remarked at the championship launch on Tuesday in Super Valu Pairc Ui Chaoimh the new rules have changed the game for the better and it is now much more enjoyable to play in and watch.
Best of luck to all clubs and as usual extensive coverage across the weekend on 96FM/C103.