It’s been a few years, 11 years to be exact, since Ross’ women’s team defeated Limerick’s Laurel Hill to claim All-Ireland Senior ‘B’ honors. And there’s exactly the same silverware on offer when Rosslare take on St Raphael’s (Borisory, Saturday, 1pm).
Memories of Mercy camogie’s glory days may be hazy, given that these players were under sevens when they won the All-Ireland in 2013, so they were a triumph for the school. You can only understand it if you really understand what it means. Take home the crown.
This will not be an easy task as St Raphael’s is a well-established school in the GAA field for both boys and girls.
The senior boys were recently crowned Connacht ‘A’ hurling champions, while the junior girls will also compete in the All-Ireland ‘B’ final against Gorey Community School on March 3.
The 2023 junior team also won the All-Ireland ‘C’ title, marking the school’s first national camogie crown since winning eight consecutive senior ‘A’ titles between 1985 and 1992. Ta.
This suggests a big challenge ahead for St. Mary’s as many of the Junior ‘C’ girls will be stepping up to this team.
But this is a talented Mercy team. In 2013, St Mary’s had players such as Chloe Fox, Joanne Dillon and Christine Ring who would go on to play big roles in their respective counties, and there is a possibility that the 2024 version will also have some of the same players. It’s expensive, and some players are currently underage. Mercy’s starting lineup was littered with county talent.
Former player Ring, along with fellow coach Elaine O’Shea, have created a strong back seven.
Rachel Walsh has looked really strong between the sticks, but has been aided in no small part by two very tough lines in front of her.
Mercy have delivered exactly that blend, as the management expects their players to win one-on-one battles and that confidence has been rewarded with great performances in the recent Leinster final and All-Ireland semi-final wins. are doing.
The front eight shines with defensive grit, showing against Dominican University that if Mercy clicks, it’s nearly impossible to stop.
Against Dublin School, Kayla Ready and Leah Ryan in the half-forward line scored 1-7, while Ava Dunphy and Aoibhín Byrne shared five goals inside, showing that they have talent across the board. Ta.
There will be a big challenge and a big fight at Borrisory on Saturday, but St Mary’s have what it takes to finish the day as champions. If they can perform at their best, it will be almost impossible to beat Mercy.
St Mary’s (New Ross) Team: Rachel Walsh (St James), Eimear Porter (Rasgalog Cushinstown), Eilis Roche (Craubaugh, co-captain), Rebecca Hayden (Graigenamana), Kate Flood (Craubau), Eimear Kehoe (St James). , Caitlin Kelly (Lower Initioji), Shona Davies (Mullinabat), Grace Glennon (Tarogar Rosbarcon), Erin Macdonald (Clabourne), Kayla Reddy (Rathnure), Leah Ryan (St Mullins, Co. Captain), Caoimhe Byrne (Fethard), Eva Dunphy (Mullinabat), Aoibuan Byrne (Rathnure), Brydyn Quigley (Claubourne), Ella Furlong (Claubourne), Katie Whelan (Gasselane), Millie – Sutton (Rathgarogue-Cushinstown), Olive Donnelly (Gusselane), Amy McManus (Claubourne), Molly Cloney (Claubourne), Sophie Chapman (The Rower-Inistioge), Eimear Foley (Rathnua), Eva… Foley (St James), Aoife Rabin (Graigenamana), Tara Morrissey (Rathnua), Fenna Quigley (Claubourne), Leah Madigan (Mullinabat), Maya Conway (Mullinabat), Abbie Whitty (Gasseran) ), Ella Sheehan (Glenmore), Keira Wilson (Crowbaugh), Lily Tracey (Graigenamana), Eva Crosbie (Horswood), Ailbe Steger (Mount Leinster Rangers) and Sally Kehoe (Horswood). management: Elaine O’Shea, Christine Ring.