Sarsfields geared up for big semi-final test against Burgess

THEY’VE waited since last October but Sarsfields senior camogie team return to action on Sunday when they face Tipperary’s Burgess/Duharra in the All-Ireland semi-final (Banagher, 2pm).

After successfully retaining their county title thanks to a 3-10 to 1-7 win over Mullagh, Michael ‘Hopper’ McGrath’s charges get another shot at national silverware following last year’s final loss to Slaughtneil at Croke Park.

They got past Kilkenny’s Thomastown 0-8 to 0-7 at the penultimate hurdle 12 months ago, but Burgess/Duharra were also involved that day losing to the eventual champions by just two points.

The Galway champions will enter the semi-final as favourites based on their stunning form against Mullagh when early goals from Orlaith McGrath and Tara Kenny rattled their opponents before Sarah Spellman’s second half major guaranteed that the Catherine Donnellan Cup would be staying in the New Inn/Bullaun/Woodlawn club.

It must be remembered that the last time Galway’s representatives failed to reach the biggest day of the club camogie calendar was six years ago when reigning All-Ireland champions Killimor fell to Tipperary’s Drom & Inch, and the Sarsfields manager is wary of the threat facing his side.

Full preview in this week’s Connacht Tribune