Sarsfields v Drom and Inch: Linda Mellerick previews the Munster camogie final
Sarsfields' Kte Fennessy is tackled by Newcastlewest's Karen O'Leary during the AIB Munster semi-final at Castle Road. Picture: Eddie O'Hare
It’s a tough assignment for Sarsfields as they take on experienced Drom and Inch in the AIB Munster senior club final tomorrow in the Dillon Quirke Clonoulty Rossmore GAA Grounds, Tipperary at 2pm.
But it’s one they’ll relish.
It’s Sarsfields’ first Munster final, but the fifth in a row for Drom and Inch, winning in 2020 and 2022. They aim for back-to-back titles.
It's a pairing of contrasts. Sars are young, energetic, and inexperienced in Munster competition. Drom are physical, very strong, in-your-face type of players and seasoned Munster campaigners.
Drom manager Matthew McGrath feels they are capable of mixing their game.
"This time of the year conditions lend itself to battles, we’d be confident of playing an open game, but it does at times come down to rucks and winning possession. The girls have had countless battles in Tipp and Munster, there’s a lot of experience in their lockers and we’re confident we can mix it regardless of the opposition.
"Sars are young but have had good wins over Clonlara and Newcastle West and every time you play Cork, they feel like they should be winning. The tradition is there," he said.
Sars have the concern of their three players travelling to London for Glanmire’s ladies intermediate football quarter-final on Saturday. It’s an overnight rather than a same-day journey thankfully, out Friday, back Saturday but is still sure to take its toll on Ellen Murphy, who had a storming game last Sunday, Ava Fitzgerald who returns from injury and Evie Twomey.
But it is what it is and rather than focusing on it Sars manager Tadhg Óg Lynch will have a Plan B. Sars have a good bench with Rachel Roche, Ella Woods, Sinead Hurley, Áine Mullins and Maeve McCarthy amongst them, with all having seen game time during the season.
"It’s not ideal but at least it’s not a direct clash and the girls are used to playing both codes within 24 hours."
Scarriff Ogonnelloe beat Sars last year in the semi-final by a point. Drom went on to beat Scarriff by six in the final. Not much between the sides based on that.
The last time Drom and Inch and Sars met was in 2019 when Sars on the back of their first county success in 30 years were defeated in their own pitch by a point. There have been a number of changes to Sars since, with their young stars now having come of age and making a significant impact.
Tipperary senior players Mairéad Eviston and sisters Aoife and Eimear McGrath backbone the side.
Aoife was an All-Star nominee this year in the half-back line. For her club, she lines out at midfield and is having a great season. Eimear is enjoying a productive year at full forward, getting a crucial goal in the semi-final in extra time last weekend.
A strong defence consisting of captain Eviston, Eimear Cahill, Maria Connolly, and Anne Eviston they like to run at the opposition. Former Tipp star Joanne Ryan who captained Tipperary to the All-Ireland senior title in 2004 is among the substitutes and came on late in the second half last week to hit an important point.
They lost Tipperary goalkeeper Caoimhe Bourke earlier in the season when she injured her ACL while lining out for her county. However, she has an able replacement in Christine Kenneally who has returned to the side after a nine-year absence.
McGrath feels their strength in depth has been instrumental in their campaign.
"We’ve always trusted our panel. Being able to bring on four or five subs that are as strong as what’s on the field has been a big advantage."
Lynch acknowledges the strong team that Drom and Inch are but states: "They’re not unbeatable".
"They’re a fine side and I think a minimum of 12 of our team will have to play to their potential if we hope to dethrone them. We’ll certainly need to play better than we did against Newcastle West last Sunday. But if we hit form, we’ve every chance."
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