Cork star Cotter back in action

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2011 All Ireland Camogie Championships in association RT+ Sport

Cotter ready for camogie championship throw in

Cork camogie midfielder Orla Cotter is one player who is extra eager to hit the ground running this coming Saturday. Having missed the majority of league action this year, after breaking her jaws in the Ashbourne Cup Final in February, Cotter is relishing a return to action, following a long and painful rehabilitation.

“”I missed almost two months of contact action, and while I was able to go running after about four weeks or so, I was not able to do any hurling. It was a painful injury I have to say, and I would not wish it on anyone but I feel fine now and I am looking forward to Saturday. We have a new trainer in this year as well and things are good really well for us so far.””

Cork take on Clare in round one of the Camogie Championships in association with RT+ Sport this Saturday at Clooney Quin.

Despite the absence of a number of Cork camogie stalwarts through retirement and other commitments with Mary O’Connor, Joanne O’Callaghan, Rachel Moloney and Caithriona Foley bowing out, Cork will feel quietly confident ahead of this year’s championship.

“”We have new girls coming up through the ranks, while Briege Corkery makes a return. Training has been going well and I think that the events of last year will be a good motivation for us too,”” she added.

Cork recently defeated Clare in the Munster Senior Camogie Final and despite a comfortable win; the former All Ireland champions are not underestimating their opponents.

“”Championship is championship and it is a completely different ball game. By no means are we taking this game for granted, despite the Munster Final result. We need to get our campaign off to a winning start and we are focussed solely on that.””

The clash of champions Wexford and Galway at Bellefield, also on Saturday, will have many interested spectators and Cotter feels the current champions are the team to beat.

“”It is a tough opening match for both sides and I expect it will be very close. Naturally, as Wexford are the All Ireland champions, all eyes will be on them for the season ahead and they are definitely the team to beat. That being said, one cannot overlook Galway, who are a top side while we know that Kilkenny will always be there or thereabouts.””

* pictured Orla Cotter in action in the 2010 All Ireland Camogie Championship

All Ireland Camogie Championships in association with RT+ Sport begin on Saturday, June 11^th 2011. For further details check out www.camogie.ie

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