Brilliant Barrs eye back-to-back Munster camogie crowns

St Finbarr’s will bid to make more history tomorrow when they put their AIB Munster senior camogie title on the line against Waterford champions Gailltir at FBD Semple Stadium, Thurles (1.30pm).

Having ended decades of waiting by claiming a first-ever Munster senior crown last season, the Togher club now stand on the brink of becoming back-to-back provincial champions.

Standing in their way are a Gailltir side chasing a bit of history of their own. The Waterford outfit are seeking a first Munster senior camogie title and are also still involved in the Munster senior football championship, having drawn with Aghada in last weekend’s final.

That replay will take place next Saturday at Cahir and they will have a number of dual players in action tomorrow.

Players such as Molly Comerford, Clodagh Carroll, Aoife Power, Annie Fitzgerald and Ali Ferguson are expected to spearhead the Gailltir challenge as they look to cap a remarkable spell for the club.

For St Finbarr’s captain Stephanie Punch, another Munster final appearance is a testament to the determination within a group that has refused to stand still since lifting the trophy a year ago.

“Before last year we'd never reached a Munster final before, so if you told me after January that we'd be back here again I would have been delighted,” Stephanie said.

“Sometimes long years can affect players, but the girls just got back together this year and went hell for leather again.

“Once you get the feeling of winning it's so addictive. We love playing together more than anything. We don't really talk about accolades, it's about sticking together as a group, so we're delighted to be back in another final.”

The Barrs’ journey has been relentless. Their campaign effectively stretches back to last winter’s All-Ireland final defeat to Athenry before another Cork championship and Munster run this season.

“It kind of feels like three or four years really,” Stephanie laughed.

“The time in February and part of March when we weren't together actually felt unusual because we're so used to being together.

We just enjoy training together. We're all great friends and that makes a huge difference. We want to do it for each other.

“Kate Wall had a great message for us recently, just saying to go at it because these things don't come around often. We know we must take advantage of these years while we can.”

The champions have had to come through stern examinations to return to the decider. A battling Clonlara side pushed them in the quarter-final before a second-half comeback saw them overcome Thurles Sarsfields in the semi-final.

Trailing by four points at the break against Thurles Sarsfields, there was no panic.

“We knew they had thrown everything at us, and we still hadn't hit top form,” Stephanie said.

“There were no panic stations at half-time. If anything, we were delighted it was only four points. We knew what we were capable of.

“Our forwards really burst into the game in the second half and we have that strength and depth. We're not reliant on one player. I think we had seven scorers in that game. That's always a big strength for us.”

Glory days

That depth has become one of St Finbarr’s defining characteristics. Established stars such as Sorcha McCartan are complemented by emerging talents including Liz Donovan, Ella Wigginton Barrett and Kate Cahalane, while players returning from injury continue to strengthen the panel.

“We have girls who are disappointed not to start but can come on and make a huge impact,” Stephanie said.

We just have a special crop of players. It's an incredible time for the Barrs.

“When I was a younger player, there wasn't much coming through behind us. Now you look at the next generation and it's fantastic. It gives huge hope for the future of the club.”

Gailltir’s presence in both provincial finals underlines the challenge awaiting the Cork champions, but Stephanie insists respect does not mean fear.

“They're a fantastic side and they'll have huge motivation,” she said.

“They've never won it themselves, so like us last year they'd love to bring a first Munster title back to their club.

“But we'd be making history ourselves if we can win back-to-back Munsters.

“We respect everybody, but we don't fear anybody either. We have huge talent in our own group, and everyone drives each other on.”

Bonded

A large St Finbarr’s support is expected to make the trip to Thurles once again, with the club’s growing success continuing to capture the imagination of supporters.

“The support has been incredible,” Stephanie said. “Before we ever won anything they were there for us, win, lose or draw.

“The club really is like a family. Everybody gets behind you and you see that every time we play.”

For now, however, all attention is fixed on one final hurdle.

“Munster is always difficult and there are no easy wins,” Stephanie said.

“We know Gailltir are a fantastic side and Waterford camogie is very strong.

“We're hoping to do back-to-back Munsters and they're hoping to win their first, so there is huge motivation on both sides. It should be a cracking game.”