Senior stars could feature for Cork U23 camogie team against Galway
Cork’s Claudia Keane scores a goal against Tipp. Picture: INPHO/Leah Scholes
Cork, after two wins from two games, sit on top of their group in the Glen Dimplex U23 Camogie Championship ahead of tomorrow’s home clash with Galway who have just one game played — a win over a Tipperary side that Cork demolished last week.
So far, with all five sides having got their campaigns up and running, Cork look to the leading contenders for honours. They totally outclassed Kilkenny in round one before going on to repeat that performance against Tipperary last week.
Kilkenny had two points to spare over Waterford last weekend and in Galway’s opening round clash with Tipperary, they had seven points to spare.
Against Tipperary, Galway made the most of the first-half wind advantage and dominated the early exchanges. Cora Kenny and Niamh McInerney were all on target, while Laura Kelly was exceptional from placed balls all through as she contributed six of Galway’s 15-point tally.
Other standout performers in Cathal Murray’s line-out will include Aoibhe Joyce, Katie Gilchrist, and Ava Bloomer, who were prominent in attack in that first-round outing.
They have a strong defence which held Tipperary scoreless for the opening 24 minutes with Sarah Lyons, Katie Manning, and Emily Brogan very solid defenders.
Cork are favourites to take the inaugural U23 title. Given the success of the county’s recent minor sides, it’s not totally unexpected to see Cork in such a strong position with three games to be played.
In 2020, Cork were going for a three-in-a-row of minor All-Ireland titles, but Covid intervened. Cork were back as champions in 2022 and 2023 and with several of the 2020 to 2023 players now on the U23 side, it’s hard to argue with the tag of being favourites.
Having demolished Kilkenny in round one with a 2-16 to 0-8 victory, Cork headed to Tipperary last weekend with confidence and they again gave a superb display as they recorded a 3-19 to 0-8 victory.
In both outings, from start to finish, Cork have been the better side and never looked in any danger of losing either game.
Millie Condon continues to perform well at midfield while up front Orlaith Mullins, Amy Sheppard, Niamh MacNabola and Rose Murphy have impressed.
The Cork defence have dealt comfortably with anything that Kilkenny or Tipperary could throw at them, with Daire O’Brien, Sinead Hurley, and
Eimear Duignan to the fore.
Cork have a strong bench and last Saturday they had an opportunity to give players game time.
With the senior team not playing this weekend we can expect to see the U23s field a very strong 15 as their push for a top-of-the-table place finish continues.
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