St Finbarr's v Blackrock: Barrs bid for third camogie championship in a row

The curtain is coming down on another SE Systems Cork Camogie Championship campaign, with three county titles up for grabs over the weekend.

On Sunday at MTU champions St Finbarr's bid to complete a three-in-a-row against a Blackrock side that has defied expectations to reach its first senior final in generations, their last win coming in 1952.

Before that, Saturday's Premier Intermediate final promises a compelling local derby as neighbouring clubs Ballinhassig and Ballygarvan, lock horns for county honours in what should attract huge interest from both communities.

Sunday begins with the Intermediate final at Castle Road before attention turns to Bishopstown, where a large crowd is expected for the senior decider.

St Finbarr's entered the championship as one of the favourites and have largely lived up to that billing. Despite a season disrupted by injuries and player absences, the Togher club navigated the group stages undefeated before overcoming Sarsfields in a tense semi-final.

St Finbarr’s captain Stephanie Punch, reflected on how far the club has come in recent years.

"There was a time where I just wanted one [senior title]," Stephanie said.

"I never thought there'd be a time that we'd be looking at maybe three in a row. It's been an incredible golden era for Barrs camogie. We're incredibly lucky and delighted to have come through to another final after what's been a difficult year with injuries."

The reigning champions have been forced to absorb the loss of several key players through injury, travel and other commitments, but Stephanie believes the squad's depth has been crucial.

"We put a lot of emphasis on making sure there was strength and depth in the squad," she said.

"The last three years have really helped us build that strength and depth.

"The semi-final against Sars was probably one of the toughest games we've had in the championship over the last two years," she said.

"It really got the best out of us. 

The girls have learned from past experiences, and I think that's something we're quite proud of now, that we know how to finish out a game."

If the Barrs have travelled the expected route to the final, Blackrock's journey has been far more surprising.

After suffering a heavy defeat to Courcey Rovers in their opening group game, few would have predicted that the Rockies would still be standing come final day.

Instead, they responded impressively, defeating Ballinora and Ballincollig to reach the semi-finals before producing one of the shocks of the championship by reversing that earlier defeat and edging out Courcey Rovers.

Captain Oonagh Grimley admits the opening-round setback proved a turning point rather than a stumbling block.

"We were disappointed with our performance, and we knew we were a much better team than that," she said.

"Our coaches just told us it was no big deal, the next match was still there and we could still get through. We just focused on the next game and worked hard in training.

"After we got the win against Ballinora everyone was buzzing," Oonagh said.

"I feel we're a team that does well under pressure. Once the pressure is on, we kind of come together better."

Having lost heavily to Courcey Rovers in the group stage, she relished the prospect of meeting them again.

After the first match I remember saying I hope we'd get to play them again because we didn't show how good we were that day.

"I was delighted to play them again and delighted to get another crack at them."

Blackrock arrive in Sunday's final carrying the underdog label, but it is one they appear more than comfortable embracing.

"I personally don't mind being the underdog and going into the match with less pressure," Grimley admitted.

"The Barrs are a great team and it'll be some game."

While much has been made of the club's long wait for senior championship success, Grimley insists history is not weighing on the players' minds.

"It's not really on our minds," she said. "We're just focusing on Sunday and all our preparation for that."

FIXTURES 

SATURDAY

SE Systems Premier Intermediate final: Ballinhassig v Ballygarvan, MTU, 3.30pm.

SUNDAY 

SE Systems Senior final: St Finbarr’s v Blackrock, MTU, 3.30pm.

SE Systems Intermediate final: Sliabh Rua v Kilbrittain-Timoleague, Castle Road, noon.