Barr's bid to extend dream run but four-in-a-row Ulster champions stand in their way

CAMOGIE PREVIEW: Recently crowned Munster champions St Finbarr’s are on the road again when they travel to Donaghmore Ashbourne to take on Ulster and Antrim titleholders Loughgiel Shamrocks in the All-Ireland senior club camogie championship semi-final today, throw-in at 2pm. 

Recently crowned Munster champions St Finbarr’s are on the road again when they travel to Donaghmore Ashbourne to take on Ulster and Antrim titleholders Loughgiel Shamrocks in the All-Ireland senior club camogie championship semi-final today, throw-in at 2pm.

After claiming their first provincial accolade seven days ago, and in such dramatic fashion, St Finbarr’s will be keen to build on that success and add more history in what will be their first ever penultimate round appearance.

If they are to do so, big games will be required once more in all areas of the field. Going on last week’s performances, Kate Wall’s return of 2-4 will make her the player to watch. Her intercounty colleagues Méabh Cahalane, Sorcha McCartan, Orlaith Cahalane and Aoife O’Neill will also require close attention.

Four-in-a-row Ulster champions Loughgiel Shamrocks are coming into this tie in a positive frame of mind, having been here before. Last year they lost at this juncture by a single point to eventual champions Sarsfields. The Galway side also defeated them in the 2022 final, this time by three points.

Loughgiel Shamrocks have also had an extra week to prepare following their seven-point victory over Clonduff in the Ulster decider at the BOX-IT Athletic Grounds, this despite playing the entire second half with 14 players after Lucia McNaughton was red carded three minutes before half-time.

In the second senior semi-final, Athenry return to the big stage after dethroning Sarsfields in the Galway showdown, and they are up against 2023 All-Ireland winners Dicksboro in Kinnegad at 1pm.

Also today, Patrickswell are in action in NGDC Abbottstown (3pm) and they will meet Antrim’s Brídini Óga in the All-Ireland junior A championship semi-final.

Elsewhere, Ballincollig will be in Glenisk O’Connor Park, Tullamore tomorrow for their All-Ireland intermediate championship semi-final with Eglish (Tyrone), 1pm.