St Finbarr's back on top: Stephanie proud as Punch to lead Barrs to county camogie glory

It was wet, windy and freezing but that mattered little to St Finbarr’s as they were crowned SE Systems Cork Senior Camogie champions at Castle Road on Sunday.

The famed Togher club won the title for the second time, their only other win coming in 2006, and the celebrations at the end showed just what it meant to them. It’s far too long since they have won the title and with the talent in their squad don’t rule them out retaining it next year.

That’s something they won’t worry about for now as the celebrations are ongoing and no doubt will be for a few days.

Their 1-16 to 0-12 win over the defending champions, Sarsfields, was well deserved as they were the better side over the hour, with an outstanding team display. Only twice were they behind over the hour and on both occasions they got the never couple of scores to ensure Sars' lead didn’t last long.

From the start of this season, the Barrs were determined to make up for their loss to Cloughduv in the quarter-final last year and from the throw-in it was obvious that it was going to take some display to get the better of them.

There weren’t too many connections to the team of 2006 but special mention must go to Gemma O’Connor and Lynda O’Connell who were part of the squad on Sunday and were on that winning side. One of the proudest and nearly speechless players enjoying the celebrations was Barrs captain, Stephanie Punch.

“It's unbelievable what a win,” said Stephanie, “I'm just so proud of the girls. I had no doubt that we could come out here and do it today.

“Sars are great champions and we knew we'd put it up to them. We knew they put it up to us, but the performance that the girls put in out there, especially in the second half, was incredible.

“I'd no doubt that we would come out on the right side of it today, but for it to actually happen is another thing. You can see what it means for the girls.

“It's the first time it's back in the club since 2006. 

Lynda O'Connell was the last captain to lift it. And it's just great that she and Gemma, stalwarts of the club, are here with us today to lift it. The girls just deserved this so much.

“It's absolutely amazing, like seeing what it means to everyone. They players left it all out there today like we said could have no regrets and I’m just lost for words after that win.”

STEPPED UP

The wind was a factor, with the Barrs having it at their backs in the first-half and led by a point at the break. Stephanie said they weren’t too concerned about it at half-time.

“We came into the dressing room, we knew we had a big performance and also I feel like we didn't show what we could do there in the first half.

“We knew kind of coming against the wind it would be tough, but again, no doubt that the likes of Orlaith, Sorcha, Kate and Keeva would step up, and again they did that today.

“It’s been too long since we won it and we can’t wait to bring the cup back to the Bandon Road and the club and enjoy the celebrations for a few days."