Cork's strong bench will play a key role in All-Ireland Camogie final

BENCH: Cork's bench has played a key role in their success to date. Pic: Ben McShane/Sportsfile

Their bench. An unrivalled bench. It’s always about the Cork bench.

A late injury to Clodagh Finn meant the named corner-forward played no part in Cork’s All-Ireland camogie semi-final. Promoted to the first team this year off the back of a crucial All-Ireland final cameo last August, Finn went into the Waterford game sitting second in their scorers chart with a 4-7 total.

The vastly experienced and returning-from-injury Katrina Mackey slotted in and Finn’s absence was not felt. Mackey returned with four from play.

Management has a call to make. Persist with eight-time All-Star Mackey or hand Finn her first senior final start. It could well prove that both get the nod, with another starting forward from last Saturday dropping out.

Whoever loses out in the final selection, Galway won’t be overjoyed at seeing them sprint into action at some point in the second half of the decider.

All-Ireland winning corner-back Meabh Murphy was another returning from injury at UPMC Nowlan Park and saw the last few minutes of action. The likelihood is the Ballinora defender will be held on Sunday week, meaning Cork have an exceptionally strong defensive option ready to go should the need arise.

Options. They have so many options.

Finn, Sorcha McCartan, and Meabh Cahalane were massive when introduced in last year’s final against Galway. The former pair were responsible for Cork’s final three points. Three was the winning margin.

In the All-Ireland semi-final the year previously, again against great rivals Galway, Cliona Healy, Laura Hayes, Orla Cronin, Ashling Thompson, and Orlaith Cahalane were rolled off the bench and had a direct hand in each of Cork’s nine second-half points.

Orlaith Mullins struck 1-2 off the bench to wrap up victory on Saturday and yet that haul offers no guarantee of promotion for their latest dance with the Tribeswomen. Cliona Healy, similarly, is a more than useful card to be able to play at the opportune moment.

“It is not an easy panel to break into, there are girls breathing down your neck for positions,” Mullins said on Saturday.

Captain Meabh Cahalane emphasised the total lack of fuss when one of the first-team regulars is unable to fulfil their usual role.

“Meabh Murphy is back from injury, she wasn’t starting today, but she came in and played her part, Orlaith Mullins too. Clodagh Finn, unfortunately, had an injury, but others stepped up.

“Injuries and people missing, it is just next person up. That is the ethos of the group, it doesn’t matter who is on the pitch at any stage. We back anyone. That is the strength of our squad at the moment, and it is great to see,” said Cahalane.

Question marks surround the strength of Galway’s bench. No sub among the scorers on Saturday gone or last year’s final. No question marks surround Cork’s potential for further bench impact on the biggest day.