Galway fancied to topple the Banner in championship opener

AFTER a turbulent period that saw senior boss Tony O’Donovan step down from his position after just four months in charge, Galway’s senior camogie side will look to put all that behind them when they commence their championship campaign against Clare at Pearse Stadium on Saturday (5pm).

Part of an attractive double header, this will be the first opportunity to see the Tribeswomen in competitive action since the new management team of Cathal Murray (Sarsfields), Conor Dolan (Ardrahan), Caroline Murray (St. Thomas’) and Orla Kilkenny (Pearses) took over seven weeks ago or so.

It has been an astute appointment by Galway Camogie Board with all four bringing a wealth of experience to the set-up. No more so than former Galway defender Cathal Murray, who has not only been involved with the county’s U-21s in the past but he also guided Sarsfields, who he still manages, to county senior hurling glory in 2015.

Conor Dolan is also an experienced coach. Although from Meelick in Clare, his family has strong connections with Ardrahan, whose senior men he now manages. In recent years, he has also managed Tubber and Clarecastle in Clare and the feedback from the Galway camogie set-up as regards his contribution has been very positive.

Former Galway players Caroline Murray, who works for the National Camogie Association, and 2010 All-Star Orla Kilkenny, who won an All-Ireland senior medal in 2013, complete what it is a formidable backroom team.

Full preview in this week’s Connacht Tribune