Cork's Jerry Wallace has brought a 'great buzz' to Waterford camogie setup

Cork will take on Waterford in round two of the Very Division 1 Camogie League on Saturday, February 24, after their clash with Kilkenny this weekend.

Last year was a mixed one for the Rebel against Waterford who knocked them out of the Munster championship. However, Cork did avenge that loss as they defeated the Déise in the All-Ireland final later in the season.

One of the players that was outstanding for Waterford all season was half-forward and captain Lorraine Bray. She was confirmed as their captain again for this season.

Like Cork they have a new management team in place with Seán Power and his selectors stepping down. And when they face Cork on Saturday week it will be familiar faces up against each other as Jerry Wallace is now their manager.

He will know Ger Manley well as both are Midleton GAA Club men and would know each other from the Cork setup over the last few years. Jerry led Cork to back-to-back minor titles in the last two seasons and no doubt will be hoping to lead Waterford to success this year.

Waterford were promoted to the top league last season and will start their campaign with a tough game against Tipperary this Saturday.

Looking ahead to the game against Cork and the season in general Lorraine said: "We had two major battles with Cork last year, one turned out well for us and the other didn't.

"You take the learnings from every game you play, whether you win or lose. You look at areas you can improve on and try to implement them in the next game. We are delighted to be up in the top division as that's where all teams want to be.

"We know there are no easy games at this level and it's going to be tough. It's nice to be back up playing at the top level and it is the best preparation for the Münster and All-Ireland championships later in the year. But we are just taking it game by game for now and we know Cork are going to be another tough challenge on Saturday week."

POSITIVE

Any change of management always takes a bit of time to settle and Lorraine said they are still getting used to what Jerry wants, but it has been very positive so far.

"We had Seán and his management team in last year and first thanks to them for all their hard work. We have Jerry now and it's been brilliant so far.

It has brought a great buzz and excitement to the camp, he's up for a bit of craic, which is good. But then there is the serious side as well when we are getting the work done.

"It took a bit of time to get our management sorted so we are probably a little bit behind other teams when we got started, but he has a great team around him as well.

"So look we are delighted and looking forward to what the year will bring for us," concluded Lorraine.