*Caoimhe Carmody hassles Aoife Donohue. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill
GOING TOE TO TOE with last year’s beaten All-Ireland semi-finalists is a positive indicator for Clare camogie according to manager, John Carmody.
A single goal separated the neighbours when they clashed in Cusack Park on Saturday, Galway emerging victorious on a scoreline of 1-13 0-13.
Eight of Clare’s thirteen point tally came from placed balls but Carmody was adamant they showed their ability in matching the Tribeswomen. “We felt we went toe to toe with Galway out there today. The scores just after half time were crucial but we fought on and I’m so proud of the girls. Galway are the best side in the country and we showed out there today that we can compete with anybody.
He added, “The conditions didn’t help us with the ball being so slippy. Sometimes it skidded off the wet surface and at times some handpasses went astray but we still managed to get some decent scores”.
“It was great to see a crowd in Cusack Park today and in fairness they were treated to a proper camogie match,” the Kilmaley man said.
Clare’s senior side have no game this weekend with the Juniors travelling to Ballyforan to take on Roscommon at 5pm this Saturday.
Cork are next up for the seniors where a win is essential for their July 1st fixture which will be held in Cusack Park at 3pm.
“Hopefully when Cork come with everything on the line we can get this crowd again. It’s a winner take all clash now against Cork and we need to look them in the eye and bring a performance. Galway beat Cork by three and beat us by three so there’s nothing between us. The last few years we’ve had to go to cork so let’s welcome them to Ennis and have a right cut off them. There’s nothing to fear. We have nothing to lose and everything to gain. It would be massive progress if we can make it to the knockout stages”.
