Orlaith: We're delighted to be back in Munster final

A year on from making history, St Finbarr’s are back on familiar territory.

They return to FBD Semple Stadium on Saturday, throw-in 1.30pm, bidding to retain the AIB Munster senior club camogie crown they won for the first time last year as they face Waterford champions Gailltír.

The defending champions have come through a tough provincial campaign to reach the decider, overcoming Clare side Clonlara before producing a stirring second-half comeback away to Thurles Sarsfields in the semi-final.

Their opponents arrive with ambitions of their own after defeating Kerry representatives Clanmaurice and are chasing a first-ever Munster senior title.

For St Finbarr’s and Cork star, Orlaith Cahalane, simply being back on the provincial stage is an achievement in itself given the challenges the club has faced throughout the season.

“If you told us at the start of the year when we lost to Athenry in the All-Ireland final that we'd have another chance to get back into a Munster final, we'd bite your hand off,” she said.

“With the players we lost through injury and others travelling during the year, we'd take your hand off to be back in this position. So it's just great.” The parallels with Cork's senior camogie season were hard to ignore as both teams had to cope with significant player losses.

“We had so many options last year with the panel, and it just shows the depth we have. When people are gone, they're quickly replaced and the girls are driving it on at training,” Orlaith said.

“We've a few younger girls in, like my sister Kate and Liz Donovan, who are absolutely flying it. Liz got four points in the semi-final, so it's brilliant for them as well. They're getting their chance, and they're taking it.” That emerging depth has been crucial during another memorable campaign. The county semi-final victory over Sarsfields remains a defining moment, particularly given the resilience St Finbarr's displayed when the game seemed to be slipping away.

“The Sars game really stood to us,” Orlaith reflected.

“Other years we would have been up against it. If we felt we were on the back foot, we nearly would have given up.

“But last year, with our experience and all the tight games we had, we showed we're never done. In the Sars game when we were down with a few minutes to go, nobody panicked, and we just drove it on.

“That game really stood to us for the county final and for the Clonlara game as well.” The lesson was reinforced in Munster. Against Clonlara, the Togher side built a commanding advantage before being forced to withstand a determined Clare comeback.

“We knew Clonlara are a good side. They'd made an All-Ireland final and won Munster before us,” she said.

“At half time we knew it wasn't going to be easy. We'd seen them come back from big deficits before.

“We probably took the foot off the pedal a bit in the second half and were messing around with the ball, but thankfully we got our act together again and got over the line.

“That was huge going into the Thurles Sarsfields game because that was another really physical contest, and no doubt Gaultier will be the same.” 

In the semi-final they were behind at half time, but showed all their skill, determination, and experience to come back and make the final. “I don't know, it just changed in us last year,” Orlaith said.

“All the girls are so driven and everyone is putting in the extra work outside training, whether it's the gym or the ball alley. The last couple of years that has really driven us on and it stands to us in our games.” 

Standing between the Barrs and back-to-back provincial titles is a Gailltír side enjoying a landmark season of their own. The Waterford club are seeking a famous Munster double, with their footballers and camogie side both progressing deep into provincial competition.

They drew with Aghada in the football decider last weekend, and the replay will be next weekend, making it a busy time for the Waterford club.

“It's unreal for them to be in two Munster finals. That's the dream really,” Cahalane acknowledged.

“They'll probably be on a high going into these games. They'll definitely be a good side and no doubt they'll be very efficient and physical.” However, St Finbarr’s have their own array of quality players to call upon. With Australian returnee Kate Wall back in the side alongside Sorcha McCartan, Nicole Olden, Gemma O'Connor and a host of experienced campaigners, confidence remains high within the Cork champions' camp.

“It's easy for me and Sorcha to play inside when we've the likes of Kate Wall, Nicole and Ella Wigginton Barrett delivering the ball into us, and Gemma O'Connor from the back line,” Cahalane said.

“To have Kate back during the year was brilliant. We needed her presence at centre-forward, her physicality and athleticism. It's easy for us inside when she's outside giving us the ball.

“We're looking forward to Saturday now.” 

Having won this championship for the first time last year, the Barrs are determined to make it two-in-a-row in what will be a tough tie.