Ger Manley: Winning a senior Munster title is always special for Cork camogie teams

NEW Cork manager Ger Manley was delighted to win his first trophy since taking over from Matthew Twomey after Cork beat Waterford to win the Munster senior camogie title.

He has been involved for a number of years but this is his first year as manager and it was great to win the title.

“It’s always a nice feeling to win the Munster championship, whether it’s camogie or hurling or football winning that title is always special for Cork,” said Ger.

“We knew it was going to be a battle today but I thought we played well today and at times we were well on top. We let them back into it a few times, but I thought we were the better team out there.”

Cork had to line out without two key players with Libby Coppinger and Laura Tracey out injured and he was full of praise for the players that came in.

“Pamela Mackey started today, she's been around the block a few times and Aoife Healy was outstanding as well. 

"As I said before it’s all about having a strong panel and I thought the players that came on played a vital part for us.

“Having a strong bench is vital now and you need that if you’re going to win big games like today.

“They got a couple of vital scores when they came on and they are as important as the players who start for us.

“Conditions were tough out there today with the heat and you need those fresh legs coming on to see out a game. 

"The squad is competitive and we have a few more due back in the next few weeks,

“Libby is the only one that will be out for a bit longer and hopefully will be back in eight to 10 weeks, but the rest will be back well before then to make us even more competitive.

“So hopefully we're building, you know you never get a perfect performance but we are building towards the All-Ireland championship which starts next week against Wexford.”

A goal from Amy O’Connor was a crucial one for the Rebels and Ger said it came at a critical time.

“We started slowly, but I thought we played brilliantly for 20 minutes after that. 

"I thought they got a few soft frees at times to keep them in the mix, but some of the rules are hard to interpret and that can be a bit frustrating.

“But I think Amy’s goal came at a good time for us as there was only two points between the sides at that stage and it gave us a bit of a lead and we drove on from there.”

Cork finished the game strongly and Ger was delighted with that, especially with their fitness levels.

“We came back a bit late after last year’s All-Ireland win and we have been training hard now for some time. 

"We’re trying to lay off now a bit with so many games coming up and we are out again next Saturday against Wexford so we need to be sharp now.”

Ger concluded by saying that he was delighted to win but there would be no celebrating with such an important game next weekend.

“We will head for something to eat and relax after the game but you can’t go out and celebrate. 

"We will be back training on Tuesday night and turn our attention to the Wexford game now.

“I’m delighted to win the Munster championship but we will have to park it fast and concentrate on the All-Ireland games,” concluded Ger.