‘Barr’s bid for back to back Munster camogie titles
Having won their very 1st Munster title last year, St Finbarr’s will now bid to win a 2nd title in the Munster Camogie Final on Saturday, while in county and Munster championships, there’s 5 semi-finals down for decision.
AIB Munster Senior Camogie Final
St Finbarr’s v Gaultier on Saturday in Semple Stadium Thurles at 1.30pm
“Yes, we have had two good weeks training since the semi-final; it might be cold but to be getting ready for a Munster Final is where you want to be,” said St Finbarrs manager Brian O’Sullivan on their bid for back to back titles.
“At the outset of the season, the objective was to get out of our group in the county championships and take it game by game as we moved along.”
There followed two tough games in the Munster Championship against Clare champions Truagh-Clonlara 2 weeks ago, and then Thurles Sars in the tight confines of The Ragg.
“In both games, the players responded to the challenge facing them, 9 points in a row against Thurles, and now we know Saturday will be no different.”
Gaultier have been active on both fronts they played in the ladies football final last Sunday and Brian is aware of their quality.
“A very competitive team and we all know how Waterford camogie has improved over the years and we know we have to be at our best to win.”
The Waterford champions have been busy as indicated and one wonders how the exertions of the last few weeks will impact on them - they have 8 starters who are on both teams.
An even bigger concern is the loss of their goalkeeper Noelle Murphy to a straight red card in the semi-final win over Causeway, unless her appeal is successful she is ruled out of the decider.
They will once again look to Caoimhe Flynn, Clodagh Carroll, Kate Lynch, Alannah O’Sullivan, Loaise Forrest, Molly Comerford and Annie Fitzgerald in their bid to make it to yet another Munster Final.
Barr’s though have a lot of quality and the return of Kate Wall has been a further boost.
Stephanie Punch, Meabh Cahalane, Ella Wigginton Barrett, Ciara Hurley and Gemma O’Connor are well versed in the art of winning, but the real threat will come for the attacking duo of Orlaith Cahalane and Sorcha McCartan and if the produce the form they have shown all year, there will be only one outcome.
‘Barrs to win and set up an All-Ireland semi-final meeting with Galway champions Sarsfields.
AIB Munster Junior Hurling SF
Kilshannig v Fethard on Saturday in Fethard at 1.15pm
It’s a big occasion for the Tipperary champions as they host this game on their home pitch as against the 4G pitch also in Fethard.
Kilshanning were impressive winners of their QF but are expecting a much tougher test this time round as manager Pat Murphy explained.
“Delighted (to win) our 1st Munster semi-final in hurling and it’s a huge boost for the club, but as with all Tipperary teams we know it will not be easy especially away from home.”
They know very little known about Fethard. “It’s the same for them I suppose, but look we will do our homework. We have 2 weeks as against just 1 for the QF but to be playing into November is great. It’s a long year in both codes but it’s what you train for all year.”
One area that concerned Pat was the wides tally against Ardmore - 11 alone in the 1st half. “Yes that was a problem for us and one that we will need to work on for the next day as you will get punished.”
Fethard had a narrow win over Ennistymon in their QF with Ryan Walsh getting a vital goal to seal the victory with Jody Sheehan, Charlie Walsh, Danny Barry (0-7), Liam Kelly and Brian Delahunty all impressing.
Wides apart, the Cork champions were always in control against Ardmore and when the Waterford side did narrow the gap, the response was excellent and long before the end they had secured their place in the semi-final.
As they did in the county final, Diarmuid O’Sullivan, Jack Twomey, Darragh O’Sullivan, Colin Ruby, Bill Curtin, Kieran Twomey and Tom Cunningham turned in top class displays.
Any Cork v Tipp clash will be close but this is a very well balanced Kilshannig side and they should shade this one. Dr Crokes and Caherline contest the other semi-final.
McCarthy Insurance Group Junior Football SFs
Douglas v Charleville on Saturday in Grenagh at 2pm
It’s the 2nd year in a row that Charleville have reached the county semi-final - this time though without Darragh Fitzgibbon - facing a Douglas side that won a good city championship and then impressed in seeing off Carrigaline in the QF.
Douglas have been producing a lot of very talented players at various grades over the years and while their senior success has been limited, they might have too much for the North Cork champions in this one.
Barryroe v Aghinagh on Sunday in Páirc Uí Rinn at 4pm
An interesting encounter here between two very evenly balanced teams, and Aghinagh have been competing in the county leagues for the last number of seasons and that will be a help.
The West Cork champions impressed in their win over Castlemagner with Ryan O’Donovan scoring 1-4, while Tomas O’Buachala, Mike Collins and Luke Murphy played well.
Close one but a slight fancy for Aghinagh to win.
Co-op Superstores Junior Hurling SFs
Killeagh v Valley Rovers on Sunday in Midleton at 2.30pm
This features the 2nd teams of both clubs and that in itself is testimony to the work being done or is it an indication that the divisional championships have lost a bit of their status? A discussion for another day perhaps.
There were contrasting results for their U21 teams over the weekend; a comfortable win for Valley Rovers and in the process racking up a big score, while Killeagh lost to Sars.
Both have been competitive at minor level in recent years and some of these players will be involved; Killeagh are a bit younger and that might see the more experienced Valley Rovers side progress.
Donoughmore v Diarmuid O’Mathunas on Sunday in Páirc Uí Rinn at 2pm
Hard to believe that only a fortnight ago Donoughmore won the Muskerry title for the very 1st time in their history and that will surely give them a bounce going into this game.
Kevin O’Connell, Colm O’Callaghan 0-10 in the win over Dripsey, Liam O’Sullivan and David McDonnell are all key players for them.
Mathunas were involved in a dramatic QF with Whitechurch that took extra-time to resolve but they did so in style drilling in 6 goals.
Jamie Lucey got 3 of them, Caolan O’Donovan chipped in with 1-7, with John Kelleher and Kevin O’Donovan also making important contributions.
A nod to O’Mathunas to win.
Under 21 A football
There are two games in this important championship - Castlehaven will enjoy home advantage on Saturday at 5.30pm against East Cork champions Glenville and that will be vital. Similarly Beara make the long trip to Carrigaline on Sunday and with the latter having won the Premier 1 Minor championship, that should see them win - 2.30pm is the throw in time here.