Sorcha McCartan: Taking it game by game is secret to Barrs' success

A contribution of 1-9 saw All-Ireland final Player of the Match Sorcha McCartan honoured at club level on Sunday.

The Down native and St Finbarr's sharpshooter has been outstanding all year, for her adopted club and county, and led the way again in the SE Systems Senior Camogie final at MTU against Blackrock.

The Barrs completed the three-in-a-row with a 3-14 to 0-4 dismissal of underdogs Blackrock. A strong first-half showing meant the Blues were always in control; McCartan was instrumental but it was a very strong collective effort.

Orlaith Cahalane and Ella Wiggington Barrett also raised green flags while the defence and midfield had a firm grip on proceedings.

“Awards are great but to be fair, it's all about the team. Every girl out there could be taking this home, I’m just accepting it on behalf of these great girls. 

Grounded

"We worked so hard again this year and took it each game at a time. We knew this would be tough and it was." 

Blackrock had the strong wind in the second half but the Barrs upped their work-rate. 

"We knew we needed to work the ball a bit clever and work it through the hands. 

Once we did that, we began to create space and we have huge pace so we knew if we used it we would open them up a bit." 

Blackrock were playing in their first county final in over 60 years and it was a big occasion for their club.

“Blackrock are a fine team and we knew they would give it everything. They have excellent players like Hayley Ryan, Kaitlin Hickey and Cliona O'Callaghan, worthy of gracing any senior team. It was a huge occasion for them and no doubt they will be back.” 

After losing last year's All-Ireland final to Athenry after a replay. Croke Park has to be the target again.

However, the focus will be on getting out of Munster, first and foremost.

"We will get back training now once the celebrations are over and work hard to try and advance again. 

"Provincial championship are hard, weather conditions sometimes dictate how these game go, but we will give it our best shot and see where it takes us.”