*Truagh/Clonlara’s Laura Foley. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill
TRUAGH/CLONLARA begin their first shot at Munster camogie glory this weekend.
Fresh from winning the Clare senior camogie championship for the first time in their history, Truagh/Clonlara welcome Sarsfields to Clonlara this weekend in the Munster senior club quarter-final.
Bob Caulfield’s side won the county title in dramatic fashion when a sixty fourth minute Áine O’Loughlin 21m went to the back of the net to end Scariff/Ogonnelloe’s reign as county champions.
Sarsfields won the Cork senior title for the third time in their history, in a repeat of the 2022 decider they gained revenge on Seándún on a score of 1-11 0-9. They had eleven minors on their senior panel with their Féile winning sides of 2016 and 2018 adding plenty of quality to their ranks.
Ironically both Sarsfields and Clonlara were celebrating unique doubles. Sars won the senior titles in camogie and hurling, becoming the first Cork club to do so since 1967 while Clonlara did likewise in claiming the Canon Hamilton and the McMahon Cup.
Though Sarsfields have the greater experience when it comes to the Munster club, home advantage and the mental strength of Truagh/Clonlara’s side will be a big aid to their challenge.
Along with O’Loughlin, they will be looking to Laura Foley, Roisin Begley, Michelle Caulfield, Niamh Powell and Sinead Hogg to try keep the good times rolling in Clonlara.
Intermediate champions, St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield are heading to Kilmoyley to face off with Kerry side Cillard in the Munster junior club semi-final. The Parish have previous experience in the Munster club and reached the 2019 provincial decider. Louise Woods and Siofra Ní Chonaill are among the most experienced players in their line-up.
Meanwhile, six U16 finals are to be played across the county this weekend. The U16A cup final pits Ruan against Newmarket-on-Fergus with Kilmaley meeting Sixmilebridge in the shield equivalent. Clarecastle and Crusheen face off in the U16B decider with Clooney/Quin and Smith O’Briens vying for the shield title. Broadford and Éire Óg compete to win the U16C Cup.
Action continues in the U21 championship with quarter-finals to be held in the A and B while it’s down to the semi-final stage in the C championship.
