by Daragh Ó Conchúir
Liberty Insurance All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship Quarter-Final
Saturday August 4th
Páirc Uí Chaoimh
Dublin v Galway, 7.15pm
Dublin were possibly the story of last year’s Liberty Insurance All-Ireland Senior Championship, having reached the Semi-Final for the first time since 1990, and it’s 1984 since they secured the last of the county’s 26 All-Ireland titles.
It was reasonable to assume that they would look to build on that achievement this year, with David Herity incorporating some fresh blood to augment an already strong group.
The Dublin manager has done just that but the turnover has been greater than he would have liked with the loss of at least seven players due to retirement, injury and opting out to go travelling. Key among the latter group were All-Stars full-forward Aisling Maher and All-Stars nominee Eva Marie Elliott.
That made their task far more difficult but it says much for the depth of their group that they have navigated the group stages well, although they will bemoan letting a lead slip to draw with Tipperary in the last group game. That denied them runner-up spot in Group 2 and means that it is Galway who stand in their way of another Semi-Final appearance.
Orla Beagan and Siobhán Kehoe have been scoring heavily, Eimear McCarthy is an inspirational midfield presence and Hannah Hegarty is continuing her form from last term alongside Laura Twomey, the captain who missed 2017 with a cruciate knee ligament injury.
Sadly, Twomey’s younger sister Miriam suffered the same injury in the early minutes of that Tipp game and is ruled out.
Galway never seem to do things easily. A supremely talented squad, they always leave you thinking they should achieve more. Sarah Dervan is the type of captain anyone would follow into battle, while Lorraine Ryan remains a key leader, five years after lifting the O’Duffy Cup.
Niamh Kilkenny is as smooth a stickwoman as you could ever wish to see, while Ailish O’Reilly, Aoife Donohue and Niamh Hannify have all prospered this year, while the young prospect Carrie Dolan has contributed significantly from both placed balls and play. The McGrath sisters are in the mix too.
Having been on their fourth manager in four seasons, the players decided that another change was required at the end of the National League. Tony O’Donovan stood down and Cathal Murray came into the fold.
It started well for Murray as they won the Interprovincial Series representing Connacht and moved serenely through Group 1 until coming up against Kilkenny, with direct progression to the last four up for grabs. They failed to fire and though showing plenty of determination, never looked like getting the better of the argument.
They are still favourites to get over Dublin, but the Metropolitans are sure to provide stern opposition.
Liberty Insurance All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship Quarter-Finals
Saturday August 4th
Páirc Uí Chaoimh
Tipperary v Waterford
Throw-in: 5.30pm
Referee: Owen Elliot (Antrim)
Galway v Dublin
Throw-in: 7.15pm
Referee: Liz Dempsey (Kilkenny)
*Extra-time to be played in the event of a draw in either game.
Admission Prices:
Adults: €10
Students/Senior Citizens: €5
Under 18s: €3
Tickets can be purchased online from www.tickets.ie and from selected Centra and SuperValu stores nationwide
Tickets will also be available to purchase at the ground on the day of the match.
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