Galway are braced for tough camogie test as Tipp roll into town

SEVEN weeks from their disappointing league final performance, Galway’s senior camogie team begin their All-Ireland championship quest on Saturday when they host Tipperary at Kenny Park (5.15pm).

The Tribeswomen find themselves in an unusual position. Strong favourites against the Premier county but facing dangerous opponents who have made strong strides since their league encounter last February.

Galway came out 3-7 to 0-5 winners that day after a dominant second quarter, but Tipperary responded with three victories pushing them into the league semi-finals before they ran eventual winners Kilkenny to extra-time.

Cait Devane is Tipperary’s key player but the gradual introduction of younger players is starting to pay off.

The Fryday sisters (Ereena and Sarah) grow in influence while Jenny Grace has taken the role of scorer-in-chief. Indeed, she contributed 11 points against the Noresiders and sliced a late penalty just over the bar that could have made an interesting finish.

“I think Tipperary are going really well and the rumours that are out there is that they are performing very well in challenge games,” said Galway manager Ollie Bergin during the week.

“So we know we’ll have to be at our very best to beat Tipp and we’re not treating them lightly in any shape or form.”

But despite their poor 2-7 to 0-7 reversal to Kilkenny in the league final, Galway’s league grading was positive and they struck back in the Gael Linn Interprovincial series taking their first title since 2008.

With seven wins from eight competitive eague games, Galway are going in as one of the championship favourites and this side will be looking to emulate the class of 2013. “I think our preparations have gone very well,” added Bergin.

The panel has been boosted by the inclusion of Killimor pair Susan Keane and Denise Starr while Galway minors Roisin Black, Ava Lynskey and Carrie Dolan have also been added. Bergin used the league campaign to give game time to his whole squad and his selection will eagerly anticipated when announced later in the week.

“We wanted to create that competitive spirit within the panel,” stated the Kinvara man.

Aoife Donohue (1-1) and Aoife Callanan (2-1) were Tipperary’s tormenters in the league game but the latter is missing.

Callanan’s medial ligament injury could rule her out of the group campaign and Therese Manton (cruciate) is a long-term absentee.

However, the rest of the squad is available. And Galway will have a strong deck.

In all, Galway should carry the day but expect the margin to be much reduced. A strong effort will boost Galway’s focus and mental strength, but Tipperary will need to apply a stern examination of Galway’s credentials to maintain their improving standards.

“We’re always looking for a performance as well,” concluded Bergin.

“We want the right attitude on the field. If we don’t have that, then cracks will appear later on in the year. We always want the right attitude and the performance is key. And if we have the right attitude and performance, the result will take care of itself.”

For a longer version of this preview see this week’ digital edition of the Galway City Tribune here.