Hard graft paying off for Milford

Milford camogie manager James McGrath insists his players are now reaping the rewards of an improved work ethic on and off the field.

Clichéd, perhaps, but prior to 2012, Milford hadn’t a Cork championship title to their name despite household players such as Anna Geary, Maria Walsh and Maria Watson backboning their side.

Current Waterford selector Frank Flannery and McGrath stepped into the breach two years ago, demanding a greater work ethic from their charges. Success at county, provincial and All-Ireland level ensued and the current aristocrats of club camogie go in search of a second successive All-Ireland final appearance this afternoon, whey they meet Derry’s Eoghan Rua in the penultimate round at Ashbourne (2pm).

“The girls have always been up front about their failures in the past to get across the line in Cork,” said McGrath, who took over the bainisteoir’s bib following Flannery’s departure last summer. “The opposition was tough, but they have said their work-rate wasn’t up to scratch and this is something they have taken greater account of. Every girl on the panel can honestly say that nowadays they are putting in the required workload and a bit extra on top. Their work-rate on the field has improved to. They are hooking, blocking, hassling and harrying at every turn. This has also improved their skills. The work aspect during games has been central to their breakthrough.”

The Ulster winners have traditionally represented the easiest draw for provincial champions, but McGrath is wary of today’s opponents.

Eoghan Rua twice annexed the All-Ireland intermediate club championship in 2011 and 2012, breaking through at senior level last October. “Their recent haul of All-Ireland titles is very impressive. They have made the step up to senior very quickly and that tells you they are a serious outfit.

“But our approach has always been to focus on our own game.”