Cork Camogie: Rebels aim for winning start in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh

Cork will open their Very Camogie League Division 1A campaign at home to Waterford, throw-in 2pm at Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

It’s Ger Manley’s second season at the helm and a repeat of last season is one that any manager would be happy with.

Although league honours didn’t come Cork’s way they did go on to win the Munster and All-Ireland championships in a superb season for the Rebels.

They will be among the favourites for the All-Ireland again this year, as Cork are every season, as they bid for three in a row. But that’s easier said than done and there are a number of changes in the Cork backroom setup.

Coach Liam Cronin has gone as the Limerick senior hurlers came looking for him, which he couldn’t turn down.

Adrian O’Sullivan is in now as coach and Gemma O’Connor has joined the setup as a selector, with Fiona O’Driscoll and Paul Ryan having to step down.

“We have a few changes from last year, Liam has gone to the Limerick senior hurlers, which is a bit disappointing for us but look, it was a no-brainer for Liam,” said Manley.

“He hoped to stay on, but he just couldn’t manage both. But Adrian O’Sullivan is in, a very good coach also from Limerick. He’s been involved with Dublin and Wexford and others so he’s been around the block a bit and is an excellent coach.

“He knows the camogie scene and Wesley O’Brien is back in as well which is another huge plus for us. He has huge experience with UCC, with clubs, and he's taking over a bit of coaching as well, so it’s great to have him back.

“Fiona had to step away and Gemma came in and she has been excellent so far and has been through it all and knows what it’s about. Sean Crowley is there as well and then we have a good share of those involved last year, so there is a nice blend of new faces and those from last year, which is important to have them for continuity.”

The championship set-up has changed for 2025 and Cork's intermediate side, All-Ireland champions last year, gone, due to decisions made at national level.

Instead, they will have an U23 squad alongside the senior side and Manley will be involved with both come the championship. There is no league at U23 level.

“Danny Morrissey, Tadgh O’Riordan, Sean Lisk and Amy O’Riordan are involved with the U23 side and we wanted a link to the senior side, so I will be doing that.

“They’re doing a lot of the work really but we needed that link and in fairness to the county board the change was put upon us fairly fast. We had a bit of a link with the intermediate side last year and it’s needed again this year with the change.

“We have trained together a couple of times when the numbers have been tight. We did two great sessions there two weeks ago, which makes a huge difference.

“The players get to know what is required in training at senior level. When they look at Ashling Thompson, the Mackeys (Pamela and Katrina), Amy O’Connor and others they get the chance to see what’s involved.

PATHWAY

“We're trying to make it very similar to the senior set up so yeah, it's working well. It's a pathway to the senior side. The intermediate team has been good for Cork, but has it been a pathway? In my opinion I don't think it has really. “But I think it's very important that there is a pathway and players get the chance to see that it’s a big step up to senior level.”

Looking to their opening game against Waterford Manley added: “We don’t know where we're at to be honest. The girls have high standards among themselves and we will be competitive.

“We want to win every game and even in training in A v B ties they hate to lose. Waterford will be coming down with the aim of taking the points and we are no different. It’s the first day out and hopefully the result will go our way.”