Galway out to avenge recent final defeats

Tomorrow’s All-Ireland senior camogie final has a very similar feel to the backstory of last weekend’s hurling decider.

Kilkenny could be cast in the role of Jimmy Barry-Murphy’s side — a county with a proud tradition, bidding desperately to end a title drought and recapture some of the magic from the glory days.

Opponents Galway have much in common with Clare. A relative minnow in terms of titles but with big ambitions of September glory.

Like the hurling, few would have predicted this pairing at the beginning of the year. But none would argue about the merits of Galway and Kilkenny who defeated Wexford and Cork respectively to book their place in the showpiece.

Expect a ferocious tussle at GAA Headquarters tomorrow. It is almost 20 years since either county claimed the O’Duffy Cup which is huge motivation in itself.

Galway have one title (1996), but they should have added more to that solitary success. That they are back after losing the 2008, 2010 and 2011 finals is testament to their character.

The two most recent defeats — to an all conquering Wexford — were heartbreaking. Not many athletes could survive such torment and that is why the neutral supporter won’t begrudge them a victory.

I expect the game to be the old-fashioned 15 on 15 without the sweepers and crowding we saw last weekend. It will be won or lost the orthodox way. Kilkenny will go in as slight favourites, based on the dogged nature of their win over the Rebels plus their unblemished record all year. The westerners have more experience but they will have to ensure past disappointments are left there. They must clear the decks because I do believe there is an All-Ireland in this crop of players.

It is make or break. Tony Ward was the manager 17 years ago and once again he will need all shoulders to the wheel. Key players down the spine of the team — and not for the first time — are Therese Maher, Niamh Kilkenny and Ann Marie Hayes.

As we all know, sentiment and sport don’t mix. The fact these are novel finalists or Galway have suffered such heartache, won’t matter an iota to their opponents who have set this championship alight.

In their first year in charge, Niall Williams and Graham Dillon have transformed an outfit laden with underage and college successes into All-Ireland senior contenders.

Many of them fell to Cork in the 2009 decider but four years on they won’t be fazed by the hype and pressure of All-Ireland final day.

They are tenacious. I feel the outcome will hinge on scoring ability and here, Kilkenny hold the upper hand. Watch out for the pacey Katie Power, Denise Gaule and Shelly Farrell. There might be no hurling final for Kilkenny or Galway this September but the women are flying the flags proudly and fittingly, are getting the support to go with it.

In a week when Brian Cody returns for a remarkable 16th season with the Black and Amber, it brings to mind the importance of the people outside the white line.

Games can be won and lost on marginal calls so the role of mentors is massive and they must be prepared to make big decisions. GAA headquarters can be intimidating. So it is crucial that both sides enjoy the occasion and play with the freedom they are accustomed to. The rest will look after itself.

It is also a memorable day for the premier junior and intermediate counties. Galway supporters are doubly involved as they contest the intermediate final also. Ward is guiding them as well, and while it will be a pressure situation, it would be the ideal start to the day if they were to overcome Limerick who have slipped off the radar in recent times. It will be a tall order for their more youthful side and if you are in front of the telly around 2pm look out for sisters Niamh and Judith Mulcahy who are grand-nieces of the late Mick Mackey. Ciarán Carey’s daughter Sarah will be there too. Lest I offend the many other great families this weekend, best of luck to one and all.

Also to those involved in the all-Leinster premier junior final between Kildare and Laois.