Killimor face massive test against Wexford camogie aristocrats in Ballinasloe

Date Published: {J}

Eoghan Cormican

WHEN the whistle sounded at the end of last October’s County camogie semi-final, Killimor must have surely thought their toughest hour was behind them. In retrospect, it was just the calm before the storm.

Having finally seen off their great Athenry opponents, Killimor were odds on to land their first ever county title at the expense of an inexperienced Mullagh outfit. In the end,however, Killimor staggered over the finishing line courtesy of two gift wrapped goals.

Now within just sixty minutes of a place in the All-Ireland decider, Killimor face their toughest challenge to date, a joust with Wexford’s Oulart the Ballagh on Sunday, at Duggan Park (3pm)

The County champions have enjoyed a lengthy lay off since that memorable Saturday, but preparations over the winter months which included four challenge games, have gone well according to manager Tommy Callagy.

“We’ve a lot of hard work done. We played four challenges and Bertie Sherlock has worked really hard with the girls. We were in Kiltormer complex on St. Stephen’s morning with brilliant numbers and we were in Ballinasloe last weekend and we had 28 girls.”

In any event, both the management and players will be acutely aware that they will need to be at their very best if they are to compete, never mind overcome, an Oulart the Ballagh side fleeced with inter-county talent.

The enormous challenge facing the East Galway outfit is underlined by the fact that between Wexford’s senior and intermediate camogie teams that lined out in Croke Park last September, 11 were of Oulart origin while a further two were substitutes on the intermediate side.

On this evidence alone, one would have to favour Oulart the Ballagh to advance. The central spine of the team is remarkably strong with Cara Storey – daughter of Martin Storey – and Mary Lacey, at full and centre back respectively, anchoring the defence.

Emma Moran and Stacey Redmond, both of whom lined out for Wexford in last year’s All Ireland Intermediate final, more than likely will form their midfield pairing.

All-Ireland winning Captain Una Lacey will lead a formidable attack that also includes All-Star full forward Ursula Jacob and Stacey Kehoe.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.