Sheehan sets sights on All-Ireland club double
But tomorrow Donoughmore’s Vera Sheehan hopes to move a little closer that goal.
She is two games away from adding a senior football medal to the All-Ireland senior camogie club medal won with her native club, Granagh/Ballingarry.
However, All-Ireland champions Carnacon of Mayo must first be overcome in the semi-final.
Donoughmore, who won the title in 2001, show one change from the team that defeated Ballymacarbery in the Munster final, with Orla McSweeney coming in at wing forward for Ann Brennan.
Coach Mossie Barrett is upbeat about their chances. “I believe we have a stronger team now than ever before despite losing five players in the last couple of years. We have tightened up in defence. In the provincial final we prohibited Ballymacarbery from scoring a goal - something that has not happened them in over 14 years.”
Connacht champions Carnacon, who were pushed all the way by Corofin, have not named their line out but will be well represented by Mayo inter-county senior stars, including Sharon and Michelle McGing, Cora Staunton and Clare Egan.
They had a convincing win over the Cork girls when the sides met at the same stage last year. However, with home advantage and powered by captain Juliet Murphy, Mary O’Connor and Hanora Kelleher, tomorrow’s contest should be closer.
Also tomorrow, Senchalstown of Meath make their first appearance at this level when they travel to take on Cavan side Knockbride. Formed in 1995, one of their founder members, Dearbhla O’Carroll, lines out at corner-back, ably supported by her sister Eimear.
Another family well represented is the Sheridans, with Mary and Philomena in the team, father Damien as trainer and mother Geraldine as selector.”
There is also one game in the All-Ireland intermediate championship today, with Leinster side Na Fianna travelling to Ruislip to play Parnells of London.
Also today, in the junior semi finals, Emerald Gaels of Manchester entertain Fingallians of Dublin in Stretford while tomorrow Galway’s Dunmore McHales host Cork champions Gabriel Rangers.
