The View –Divisions in the spotlight as Devane hits a camogie ‘worldy’
By Noel Dundon
With the All-Ireland senior hurling pairing now decided and our neighbours to the east and the west both gearing up for the biggest day in the codes season, we in Tipperary look on enviously while at the same time reflecting on what might have been.
And, perhaps with an eye on the county championships, we are wondering what could be in the coming season too. The club scene is in full swing and already we have had a few right good contests with players going at it hot and heavy. Divisional finals are imminent and the county championships are just around the corner too in both codes. Remember, Tipperary’s footballing fraternity are on the lookout for a new Manager too – that person will need to be in place fairly soon in order to assess the talent pool from the club scene.
Have you seen anybody in action in the cub games so far, who could end up in a county panel?
Though Kilruane MacDonagh came through to claim the Dan Breen Cup in 2022, they will not be in contention for the north senior hurling title this year. Instead, the semi-final pairings will be made up of Templederry and Nenagh Éire Og, while Borris-Ileigh will take on Kiladangan – two right good games, one would have to agree.
In mid Tipperary, it’s equally as good with Thurles Sarsfields taking on Holycross Ballycahill who overcame neighbours Moycarkey Borris after extra time last weekend. The Blues have a day less to ready themselves for the semi having dethroned first time champions JK Brackens on Sunday, and they will be expected to welcome back a few regulars with Denis Maher, James Armstrong and Paddy Creedon all sitting out the quarter final game. Holycross Ballycahill will have to ‘Cut Loose’ on Saturday rather than Sunday, if they are to down the favourites in this one.
In the second semi-final, Loughmore Castleiney, after their big win over a disappointing Drom-Inch, entertain Upperchurch Drombane who are still looking to break the divisional glass ceiling. The ‘Church have been getting closer and closer to winning a senior title and they will want to build on a fine run in the ’22 championship. Games between these two clubs have been touch and go in recent years – expect this latest instalment to be the same.
Divisional finals then in the south and west – Killenaule thought they would be playing St Mary’s one minute; then it was Carrick Swans; then it was Mary’s again; and finally it ended up with Carrick Swans after a dramatic finale to the semi-final last weekend. The Swans, courtesy of a late late goal, managed to keep their heads above water and they sail into the final with much confidence – they will not fear The Robins at all and this game to decide the destination of the south title could well be the tie of the weekend. Time will tell.
Keep a close eye too on the west final in Golden on Saturday evening. Holders Clonoulty Rossmore are the undisputed kingpins of the division as they seek an eighth title in succession – it will be their 17th appearance in the final in 18 years having missed out on the 2015 final. So, the last time Clonoulty Rossmore were not west champions, Enda Kenny – remember him? – was Taoiseach; Barack Obama was US President; and David Cameron was British Prime Minister. Tic Toc wasn’t heard of and Covid 19 was still four years off.
Twenty eight years is a long time for Cashel King Cormacks to be without a west senior hurling title. And, as they bid for their 19th title, one would have to contend that they are in very decent fettle. This could be the year they make the breakthrough with the ‘importees’ having bedded in well – Ger Browne is back in action and they have key men in each line on the field. This Cashel side represents a clear and present danger to the Clonoulty Rossmore dominance of the west.
It was a Clonoulty Rossmore lady who captured the limelight at the weekend for her excellence with the camán. Cáit Devane is no stranger to doing it on the big stage and her overhead strike for goal in the All-Ireland senior camogie quarter final against Antrim at Croke Past last weekend was a thing of beauty.
One of the many lost skills of the game, the overhead strike can be a thrilling aspect of hurling and camogie. And, when executed with the panache and style with which the secondary school teacher in the Presentation, Thurles managed at Headquarters, it can only be applauded and admired – even the Antrim players and supporters acknowledged the brilliance of the Devane strike.
One hears of the brilliance with which the late Theo English would execute the overheard strike from midfield – Declan Carr catapulted Tipperary back into contention in the 1991 Munster senior hurling final with a magnificent overhead goal, while Jimmy Barry Murphy scored a ‘worldy’ in the All-Ireland semi-final of 1983 against Galway with a quick flick of the camán off a John Fenton delivery. It’s easy enough to remember those goals as they are rarities in the game now – DJ Carey stole a few in his time as well. The overhead, much like the ground stroke is not even coached now and more is the pity – modern coaches prefer to win possession cleanly with the catch and many referees are even giving frees now for players pulling overhead. I have even seen one or two giving a free for hooking, one of the finest tackling skills of the game – the judgement being that the player played the hurley rather than the ball. The mind boggles!!
A return to the thrill of first time hurling would be very desirable but don’t hold your breath.
The Tipperary camogie players are flying and their semi-final clash with Waterford in Nowlan Park, Kilkenny on Saturday week next (July 22nd) deserves the support of the county. I have seen a number of their training sessions in recent times and they are really working hard under the guidance of coach Michael Ferncombe (Clonoulty Rossmore), who covers as much ground during those sessions as the players themselves do, and Manager Denis Kelly (Toomevara). Kevin Moran (Moycarkey Borris) and Linda Grogan (Cashel) make up the selection team while Oscar O’Dwyer (Arravale Rovers) and Diarmuid Leahy (Moyne Templetuohy), as the S&C pair, have the girls hopping off the ground.
It’s seventeen years since the Premier County flags flew in Croke Park on All-Ireland camogie final day, but they know that they must down the Deise first before they can even contemplate such a happening. It’s well within their capabilities though, so the semi-final preparations will be focusing on getting the performance right on the day.
Nothing beats being there, so do make an effort to get along and see whatever games you can this coming weekend.
By Jonathan Cullen Wed 12th Jul
