9th September 2008
In advance of the Gala All Ireland Junior and Senior Camogie Championship Finals in Croke Park on Sunday next 14th September, the captains and managers of the competing counties Clare, Offaly, Cork and Galway joined Liz Howard President of the Camogie Association and Gary Desmond CEO of Gala during the week
Clare play Offaly in the junior final while Cork meet Galway in the senior decider. Deirdre Murphy captains Clare for the second year in a row. Offaly are led by Marion Crean. Caitriona Foley is the Cork supremo while SinÚad Cahalan leads Galway.
Cork, contesting their ninth final in ten year’s will be looking to avenge their defeat by Wexford in last years final. They are bidding for their 23rd All Ireland senior title. This year the Rebels won five of their six games in the round robin stage of the Championship. Their only defeat was at the hands of Galway.
Despite this loss Cork Captain Foley was in confident mood ahead of Sunday’s clash. “”We couldn’t really ask for anything more, everything is rolling on smoothly ahead of Sunday. Cork have been here before and hopefully we can handle it better than Galway but that has to be seen yet. Galway are amazing team, the beat us reasonably well earlier in the Championship so we’re under no illusions to the task that’s in front of us, they are a strong all over the park. The fact that they beat us already will do their confidence the world of good, but for us we will concentrate on our game and bringing the All-Ireland back to Cork,”” Foley said.””
Galway last contested the All Ireland in 1998 when they fell to the Rebels. They won their only title in 1996. Current star Veronica Curtin was a member of that team.
Galway Captain Sinead Cahalan is excited to be in this year’s final: “”At the minute, we just want to go out there and play Camogie. Our ambition all year has been to bring the O Duffy Cup across the Shannon .You always want to be in a position that you’re training for an All-Ireland final. Before the semi-final with Wexford we said that you get one chance to beat a great team but we beat Wexford twice this year. I hope we can do the same against Cork, we will give it everything! .
Clare will be hoping to bring a fourth title to the Banner while Offaly look to win their first All Ireland Junior Camogie title.
Liz Howard, President said, “”Last year we had cracking games in both the Gala Junior and Senior Finals, I want more of the same this year. It is good for the game to have new finalists, it adds excitement and interest. We are also delighted that the U21 hurling final is part of our day, it means that the Camogie/Hurling Family celebrate our wonderful game together””
This is the third year of Gala’s sponsorship of the Camogie Championship and Gala CEO, Gary Desmond, is delighted to be involved again this year.
“”We are thrilled with how Gala’s relationship with the Camogie Association has developed and grown alongside the profile of the Gala Championships. Today is a proud occasion for all the players from Cork, Galway, Clare and Offaly who have shown such commitment and dedication to the game. It’s their enthusiasm that makes Camogie one of Ireland’s most popular and exciting sports.
“”On behalf of Gala, I would like to thank all the players, supporters and customers who are loyal to the Gala championship all season. We look forward to seeing a great turn out on Sunday. “”
For more information and highlights from the Gala All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship log on to www.camogie.ie
Ends
Gala Camogie All Ireland Senior Championship Final
Cork v Galway 4.00pm **Live on RT+**
Referee: Eamonn Browne, Tipperary
Gala Camogie All Ireland Junior Championship Final
Clare v Offaly 12noon **Live on TG4**
Una Kearney, Armagh
Bord Gßis GAA Hurling U21 All Ireland Championship Final
Kilkenny v Tipperary 2.00pm **Live on TG4**
Will insert referee here
For further information:
Sinead O’Connor – Camogie Association – 01 836 4619 / 087 640 5446
Declan Lee – O’Herlihy Communications – 01 660 2744 / 087 695 7451
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