Clash of the Sars pits the established against the newcomer
WILL THE REAL SARSFIELDS, PLEASE STAND UP: AIB ambassadors and camogie players, Niamh O'Callaghan of Sarsfields, Cork, and Maria Cooney of Sarsfields, Galway. Pic: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile
It is down to the last four in the AIB All Ireland Club senior camogie championship.
For reigning champions Sarsfields of Galway, all roads lead to Mallow where Michael ‘Hopper’ McGrath’s charges take on Sarsfields of Cork on Saturday at 4pm.
The Tribeswomen enjoyed a comfortable 12-point victory over Oranmore/Maree in the county final six weeks ago - their fifth title in-a-row - but they have seen no action since as the winners progress straight to the All-Ireland series.
This, however, should not be a concern, even if they are facing over two-hours of a journey south. They are chasing a third consecutive All-Ireland title this season - having claimed three of the last four - and are proven to be a formidable outfit.
Grinding out victory is their hallmark, they are seasoned campaigners at this stage.
They have appeared in six of the last seven All-Ireland showdowns, and when it comes to experience there is no shortage of candidates. Sisters Clodagh, Siobhán and Orlaith McGrath - daughters of the manager - lead by example.
Captain Laura Ward, Sarah Spellman, Maria Cooney and Shona Corcoran are all influential operators, and they will do everything in their power to continue their incredible run in this competition.
Their namesake in Cork are the newcomers - an element of the unknown perhaps.
Having said that, the Tadhg Óg Lynch managed squad have done all of that has been asked of them so far.
They’ve come through a highly-competitive Munster championship, seeing off the Clare (Truagh/Clonlara), Limerick (Newcastle West) and Tipperary champions in successive weekends.
They captured their first provincial title last weekend dethroning Drom-Inch with four points to spare. It is increasingly noticeable how effective they are at seeing out tight games.
The flip side is the hectic schedule they are enduring (including a number who have dual commitments and will be lining out with Glanmire ladies footballers on Sunday). Then again, a lot of players relish the week-on-week activity, and so far it has paid off.
The momentum is building nicely, and they are on a roll. They have plenty of skilful players too in the Lynch sisters Molly and Cliona (daughters of Tadhg Óg), Olivia McAllen, Niamh O’Callaghan, Ellen Murphy, Lucy Allen and the Mullins’ sisters Orlaith and Clare.
An early Christmas present awaits the winners, with the decider pencilled in for Sunday, December 17 in Croke Park.
The second semi-final is Loughgiel Shamrocks of Antrim against Dicksboro of Kilkenny, also on Saturday at 2pm in Donaghmore Ashbourne.
