Chicks with camogie sticks

NINE months since that historic day in Croke Park last September, Galway’s time to defend their All-Ireland titles begins this weekend with the senior and intermediate camogie sides commencing their championship campaigns.

All eyes will be on Kenny Park, Athenry ON Saturday (2.30pm) when Tony Ward’s charges go in search of back-to-back titles against the then four-in-a-row chasing Wexford side they dethroned last year.

The maroon and white squad is very settled from last year excluding Therese Maher’s retirement, but the home side are missing a few players with Clodagh McGrath out with a long-term injury and Maria Cooney, Siobhan Coen and Maria Breheny all exam-tied.

Who’ll fill the iconic number six jersey is generating much debate. Lorraine Ryan, Shauna Healy, Heather Cooney and Aislinn Connolly have all filled that position during the spring while one also can’t rule out former holders Sarah Dervan or Ann Marie Hayes slotting in at centre back either.

Indeed, Connolly’s return along with the improvement of some of last year’s All-Ireland winning intermediates gives Ward confidence ahead of this season.

“Aislinn Connolly is back into the fold from the 2012 team,” said the Galway manager.  “The likes of Rebecca Hennelly, Tara Kenny, Aoife Callanan and Aoife Donohue have stepped up, while Eva Concannon is playing well as is Shauna Healy and Paula Kenny.”

The Tribeswomen should be a side with plenty of experience nonetheless. All-Star Susan Earner will be in goal while Dervan, Ryan and Heather Cooney will take up defensive positions with Therese Manton and Sinead Cahalan also in contention.

Niamh Kilkenny will be expected around midfield with Molly Dunne and Hennelly battling to partner her. Niamh McGrath returns to the attack that should include Emma Kilkelly, Ailish O’Reilly and possibly Hayes with Emer Haverty, Brenda Hanney, Connolly, Donohue and Orla Kilkenny also contending for a starting place.

After six consecutive group victories over Wexford, Galway will be favourites but the Slaneysiders have shown plenty of promise recently including a 2-12 to 1-10 Leinster final victory over league champions Kilkenny.

Ursula Jacob (1-8) and captain Kate Kelly were superb that day both scoring and assisting for the two majors; Katriona Parrock and Brid Gordon contributed points; and in defence Noeleen Lambert, Karen Atkinson, Deirdre Codd and Mary Leacy showed that the hunger is back in the South East.

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.