Cork cohesion key to championship success
After five pulsating rounds of senior championship action, Cork camogie team lie top of the table heading into this weekend’s crucial home tie against Tipperary in the 2011 All Ireland Camogie Championship in association with RT+ Sport.
A quick look at the championship statistics boasts the fruits of an impressive forward line with Jennifer O’Leary, Katrina Mackey and Sile Burns contributing to an overall score average of 130 points (16-82). At the other end of the field, their defence, marshalled by Rena Buckley, have been superb conceding a lowly 46 points to date.
Cork midfielder, Orla Cotter, who has made an excellent return to form, despite a broken jaw earlier in the season, highlights the important role of the defence in Cork’s bid for All Ireland glory.
“”Aoife Murray has been out standing in goal while Rena has slotted in comfortably at centre back and has been superb for us. In addition we have had Amanda O’Regan returning to the full back slot while Elaine O’Riordan has come in on the wing. Anna Geary, who won an All Star in 2010, has been excellent this season. Definitely, our defence have been brilliant. Overall though I would say it’s a whole team thing, with everything knitting together pretty well at this point.
“”The number of games has brought us on a huge amount as well,”” she added.
The introduction of Joe O’Brien to the management team has according to Cotter, æfreshened things up’.
“”I think a new trainer helps to bring in new ideas, a new voice and to freshen up what goes on. Overall, the team have been working well together and it is coming together nicely.””
The disappointment of last year’s semi final replay defeat has also been highlighted as a huge motivating factor for this year’s side.
“”We were incredibly disappointed with last year, and this year our sole focus is on getting back to the final. As a team we want to get there,”” she said.
As for the impending tie with Tipperary, the midfielder expects a typically intense encounter between two great rivals.
“”All of the games with Tipperary down through the years have been tough and we expect no less on Saturday. It will be a big battle as there is a lot at stake and we will need to be ready for them.””
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