McNamara searches for winning formula against Galway

MIKE MCNAMARA is striving to find the winning formula with Clare ahead of tomorrow’s All-Ireland junior camogie final.

The astute hurling trainer has come on board recently and has been handed the job of fine-tuning the team as they prepare to meet Galway in an all-western final at Croke Park.

However, it will take a lot of effort to overcome the loss of outstanding midfielder Moira McMahon who broke a bone in her hand recently in a Munster club championship game.

Her presence will be sorely missed and according to long-serving goalkeeper Patricia O’Grady it will now take a supreme effort if the Banner County are to succeed.

“Moira’s injury is an unfortunate blow to all of us but we have been told 10% more is expected from every player in an effort to counteract her absence,” she said.

Catherine O’Loughlin who has been involved with Clare since they won their last junior title in 1986 is captain of the side.

After much deliberation the county team justified the decision by reaching their first final in almost 20 years.

The Clare team will fly to Dublin from Shannon. Galway camogie badly needs a shot in the arm after the poor display of their seniors in the championship.

This is a highly-rated team and they will be quietly optimistic of putting it up to their more illustrious opponents.

Róisín O’Connor and Cathy Bowes, who were members of the county’s first squad, will add much force to their cause.

GALWAY: S Earner; L Flynn, S Cahalan, N Lawless; N Gavin, R O’Connor, S Keane; C Kelly, C Glennon; B Hanny, C Bowes, M Flanagan; B Kerins (capt), A M Hayes, E Kilkelly.

CLARE: P O’Grady; J Scanlon, D Lynch, Catriona McMahon; M O’Looney, N Comyns, M Whelan; L Linnane, D Corcoran; A Ryan, D Murphy, A Keane; Claire McMahon, C O’Loughlin (capt), C Commane.

Meanwhile, the 1978 Cork team that won the All-Ireland championship 25 years ago will be honoured between the junior and senior games.