Oranmore Maree take on Sarsfields in the Windows and Rooflights LTD Galway Senior A Camogie Championship final on Saturday in a repeat of the 2021 decider.
On that occasion Sarsfields came out on top by nine points, but Oranmore Maree have learned much from that occasion, and look a much stronger outfit this season.
Oranmore Maree has been one of the most impressive sides throughout this championship, overcoming Athenry, Ardrahan, Craughwell and Mullagh. Their only loss was to Sarsfields, but they were missing some key players, includig sharpshooter Ailish O’Reilly. As a result they finished second in the group to book their place in the semi-finals.
They were impressive and ruthless against Mullagh in the semi-final in tough conditions, and it was evident they were determined to get back into the 2022 final and make up for last year’s disappointment.
With experienced county players, Ailish O’Reilly, Niamh Hanniffy, Roisín Black and Rachel Hanniffy and club players Eimear O’Donovan, dual star Sacra Mannion and Christina Brennan, they were impressive and ruthless against Mullagh in the semi-final, and they have laid down a marker throughout the 2022 championship.
Sarsfields, however, is the only side still undefeated in the championship.
The current All Ireland Club champions are no stranger to county final day - this is their seventh consecutive final with a win ratio of five from the last six.
They are without some key players, such as Orlaith McGrath with an ACL injury, while Maria Cooney may be a doubt for the finals after suffering an ankle injury in the closing stages against Athenry.
With convincing wins over Ardrahan, Craughwell and Mullagh, and narrow victories over Athenry and Oranmore Maree, they were able to top the group to put them straight into the semi-final.
Here they faced Athenry, a side that had run them close on a few occasions over the last few years. However a strong firs- half performance laid the marker for their victory as they ran out three-point victors.
Sarsfields' experience on big match days will stand to them in their search for a fourth title in a row. They have also huge experience on their bench with the addition of newcomers and county U16 players Caoimhe Kelly and Ciara McGrath.
Neither side showed their full hand during the year during the group stages, and there was still only three points between the sides on the day - thus it promises to be a mouthwatering match.
Oranmore Maree look to make up for last year’s disappointment, and Sarsfields look to make it six titles in seven years. Throw in is at 3pm on Saturday in Duggan Park Ballinasloe.
Senior B Final
In the Senior B Championship final Davitts will take on St Thomas', having overcome Clarinbridge in the semi-final, while St Thomas' were given a walkover from Carnmore.
Davitts have been one of the most impressive in this year Senior B Championship, boasting a mix of young stars, such as Ciara Hickey, Chloe Farragher and Katie Anna Porter, with experienced players Lorraine Farrell, Siobhan Coen and Lisa Sheil.
They overcame Kinvara, Clarinbridge and Eyrecourt comfortably during the group stages, in addiito their final opponents by nine points. Their only loss was to Carnmore by one point, but they still topped the group after a three way play-off. They met Athenry in the Senior A quarter-finals, but lost three points and returned to the Senior B competition where they prevailed over Clarinbridge.
After a mixed campaign St Thomas' will be happy to be in this year's Senior B decider. Finishing fourth in the Senior B group stages, they overcame Eyrecourt by two points and Kinvara by six points, but they lost to Clarinbridge, Carnmore and Davitts.
A strong second-half performance against Eyrecourt in the quarter-final stages ensured their passage to the semi-finals, but Carnmore's withdrawal provided their place in today’s final.
Like Davitts, St Thomas’ have a mixture of youth and experience, with young players Abbie Massey, Aine Keane, Siobhán and Orla Mullins. Heather Cooney is back this year having recovered from last year's cruciate ligament injury, and with Lorraine Coen and Sarah Healy on their starting team, the will be hoping to take avenge their earlier loss to Davitts.
Alhtough Davitts had nine points to spare over St Thomas’ in the group stages, it is safe to say this should be a closer affair. If St Thomas’ get their match-ups right, they could push Davitts throughout the contest.
Senior B Championship final, Davitts v St Thomas (Saturday 12 noon, New Inn ); Senior A Championship final, Sarsfields v Oranmore Maree (Saturday, 3pm Duggan Park ).
