Daragh O’Conchuir looks ahead
All-Ireland Senior Club Final
Inniscarra (Cork) v Killimor (Galway), 3pm, Croke Park
Referee: O Elliott
Rena Buckley is chasing the one All-Ireland medal missing from her collection in both codes and she must have an outstanding opportunity of collecting. Any team coming out of Cork has to be rated and judging by the performances of Buckley, Niamh McCarthy and Niamh Dilworth in the semi-final win O’Donovan Rossa, the Muskerry crew have many of the tools necessary to claim the honours.
Killimor had to do battle with Oulart-The Ballagh in their penultimate round and in conditions that placed a premium on grit and determination, the Galwegians came out on top by 0-10 to 0-9. That victory bodes well for the spirit within the camp and there is no doubt that with the likes of Brenda Hanney, sharpshooter Martina Conroy and Eimear Haverty in their ranks, playing at Headquarters will suit them.
This should go right down to the wire, but while a draw can’t be ruled out, Killimor’s semi-final victory suggests that it just might be their year.
Verdict: Killimor
All-Ireland Intermediate Club Final
Eoghan Rua (Derry) v The Harps (Laois), 1pm, Croke Park
Referee: M O’Kelly
The Harps are in their first year at intermediate level, having dominated the junior ranks in recent years, winning three All-Irelands in a row from 2006-2008. The challenge has clearly reinvigorated them and with Elaine Cuddy, Elaine Mahony and Aisling Phelan prominent as Drumcullen, Lisdowney and most recently Sarsfields have been overcome to get to this juncture.
Eoghan Rua surprised a lot of people when overcoming Lismore in the semi-final in. Making little of the dreadful conditions, the Coleraine outfit used their power down the middle to prevail. Rosanna McAleese and Grace McMullan were the goalscorers but it is the McGoldrick sisters, MÚabh and Grßinne, that make them tick.
The Harps have the experience of playing at All-Ireland level however and the wider expanses of Croke Park might just suit them better.
Verdict: The Harps
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