Camogie preview: Cork stars back in club action as Sars defend title
Cork's Emma Flanagan clears against Kilkenny. She's back in club action on Thursday night. Picture: Eddie O'Hare
The SE Systems Camogie Championship gets underway Thursday night with games, along with matches on Friday and Sunday.
Sarsfields go in as raging favourites to retain their title given the impressive display and the huge volume of players at their disposal, fielding two teams in all underage grades and three adult teams times.
First up, they take on Newcestown in Ovens at 7pm. The county champions will be spearheaded by Cork seniors Molly Lynch, Orlaith and Claire Mullins and Niamh O'Callaghan with Cork intermediates Olivia McAllen and Lucy Allen also top-class. Newcestown's Cork senior Ciara O'Sullivan will lead their challenge in what is a tough opening game for the Carbery outfit.
Blackrock have returned to the senior ranks and head to Belgooly at 7.15pm for their meeting with Inniscarra. Cliona O'Callaghan, who switched from Newtownshandrum to Blackrock last season, has been a big addition, with Hayley Ryan, Erinn Curtain and Bronagh O'Shaughnessy also to the fore. They face an Inniscarra side with Caoimhe Buckley and experienced campaigners Joanne Casey and Rena Buckley in their line-up.
There will be huge interest in Cloughduv and Aghabullogue Muskerry derby at 7.15pm, on the old Ballinora pitch near the church. Aghabullogue are another club with huge numbers underage. Their inter-county players Cliona Healy, Emma Flanagan, Aoife Barrett and Maedhbh Ring mean they'll be more than a match for Cloughduv.
Last season Cloughduv were within one minute of reaching the county final, a last-gasp Seandún goal knocking them out. They will be determined to build on that and while they don't have as many inter-county player they have quality. Keeper Ciara O'Leary is a member of the Cork senior panel and was outstanding all through last season. Amy Sheppard and Niamh McNabola are excellent forwards while Jennifer Verling and Aileen Corkery are teak-tough defenders.
Courcey Rovers and Killeagh are in Castle Road at 7pm where a host of Cork senior players will be in action. Saoirse McCarthy and Fiona Keating will drive the Courceys challenge but they will be without the experienced Grainne Hannon who is out injured. Killeagh have Laura Treacy, Hannah Looney and Niamh Ní Chaoimh leading the way.
Glen Rovers and Éire Óg meet in Rathpeacon at 7pm. Éire Óg are a coming force, having recently landed the Premier Minor league. Last season they topped their group and made it to the quarter-final, losing to St Catherine’s. Orla Cremin, Caoimhe Henchy, Fiona Murphy, Rachel Murphy and Cork intermediate Edel Sheehan are excellent players.
Emma Murphy, Katie Walsh and Tara McCarthy are the Glen inter-county trio.
St Finbarr's take on St Catherine’s on Friday in Castle Road at 7pm and with Maebh and Orlaith Cahalane, Saoirse McCartan and Ciara Hurley will be expected to win, though Catherine’s have leaders in Laura Hayes, Allie Mulkerrins and Finola Neville.
On Sunday divisional sides Carrigdhoun and Avondhu meet in Castle Road.
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