Rebels up first for Galway in defence of All-Ireland crown

REIGNING All-Ireland senior camogie champions Galway will face the litmus test of their 2020 championship ambitions after they were drawn in a group that includes title favourites Cork.

In a rematch of last year’s All-Ireland semi-final, which the Tribeswomen won on a 0-14 to 1-10 scoreline, Galway will be eager to make home advantage count when they meet the Leesiders in their championship opener and, more importantly, pick up the points ahead of their remaining group fixtures against Offaly and Wexford.

Despite the “tough draw”, Galway senior and intermediate manager Cathal Murray is just delighted to have clarity following months of uncertainty. “So, it is good in that way and it is a good match to be looking forward to against Cork because they are the top team in it and many people’s favourites for the All-Ireland title.

“When you play them, you will know straightaway where you stand and you then have to improve on that afterwards. So, it is a good thing to be playing them and we are looking forward to that.”

As one of four seeded teams in the three-group draw, Galway were perhaps unfortunate to end up facing another top seed in the early rounds. Murray, though, is unperturbed. “It is no harm. I think it is an advantage to be playing those sort of teams in the group.

“We had a very good group last year – playing Kilkenny – and it is good to have those matches because you know where you stand and you know which players are playing well and where you need to improve. So, it is a good thing to be tested before the bigger games later on in the year – if you do get to them.”

One suspects, Galway and Cork would have liked a game behind them entering such a high-profile clash but Murray acknowledges that there is little they can do about that now.

“It is what it is and the one thing about that game is that it will focus the mind when we are back training. It is going to be a home match. We want to put in a good performance at home and we want to get something out of the game, definitely.

“To be honest, though, the girls are just happy the camogie championship is going ahead. They are concentrating on the club at the moment – and they are looking forward to that – but I’m sure they will equally be looking forward to having another crack at Cork when they do come back in training.”

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

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