A Ladies’ Weekend as Camogie Takes Centre Stage

(JJ Hurley)

(Ballinhassig Camogie side who lineout in the SE System Premier Intermediate Camogie Final on Saturday )

Carrigdhoun Camogie takes centre stage this weekend as no fewer than three South East teams head to county finals.

First up is the eagerly awaited clash of Ballinhassig and Ballygarvan as they face off in the MTU Grounds at 3:30 pm on Saturday.

The sides met in the semi-final last year in Shanbally, with only a puck of the ball separating them at the end.

Of course, Ballygarvan have Izzy O’Regan in their ranks; the inspirational centre-back deservedly received a nomination for an All-Star following another outstanding performance in the full-back line for Cork.

Ballinhassig also have former All-Ireland winners in their ranks, as Eimear O’Sullivan continues to produce memorable performances for the Blues.

In addition, both sides have plenty of young, upcoming stars, with Millie Lombard expected to prove a handful for Ballygarvan and Cliona O’Leary playing an important part in the red half’s challenge.

On reaching the final, Ballinhassig had an impressive win over Inniscarra, while Ballygarvan were far too strong for Fr. O’Neills.

The game throws in at 3:30 pm on Saturday at MTU.

(Izzy O'Regan set to have a big part to play in Saturday's decider.)

On Sunday, it’s the turn of Sliabh Rua to take to the field in the Intermediate Camogie Championship.

Facing a tough encounter as they take on Newtownshandrum at noon at Castle Road, Sliabh Rua will be hoping to put the disappointment of losing last year’s decider to Ballinascarthy behind them.

The North Cork side will certainly put it up to the girls from Clontead, but Sliabh Rua will have learned from their experience.

They boast an impressive mix of youth and experience, with Jillian O’Leary and Hannah Deasy leading the charge on Sunday.

Both sides topped their individual tables on the way to the final, and both had impressive wins in the semi-finals: Sliabh Rua defeated their neighbours Valley Rovers by 2-11 to 2-3, while their opponents had an easy win over Kilbrittain-Timoleague at the same stage with an impressive scoreline of 2-19 to 0-10.

Coming into the contest, the North Cork girls will wear the favourites tag, but Sliabh Rua have the ability to cause an upset.

However, if they are to lift the title, they will need to play for the full hour and maintain their concentration throughout.

As for a prediction: Sliabh Rua have been the bridesmaid for too long, and now it’s time to take the bouquet!

(Sliabh Rua who line out in Sunday's SE Systems Intermediate Final)