Parish Divided as Camogie Teams Clash

Two parts of the same parish, Ballinhassig and Ballygarvan, will face off in the Premier Intermediate Camogie Semi-Final at Shanbally on Saturday at 2pm.

Ballygarvan will certainly be expected to put it up to Ballinhassig on Saturday

In what promises to be a titanic battle, Ballinhassig will go into the contest as favourites, but don’t be fooled—derby games are notoriously difficult to call.

Returning to Ballinhassig’s ranks this year is Eimear O’Sullivan, a player of enormous talent and experience, with a string of All-Ireland medals on her mantelpiece.

She has been joined by another seasoned campaigner, Deirdre Coomey. Also making their presence felt on the team are Aoife Cottrell and Milie Lombard.

Having yet to lose a game in this year’s championship, including a demolition of Clonakilty in the quarter-final on a scoreline of 6-15 to 2-11, this team will take some stopping.

Managed by Diarmuid Coleman, who is joined on the line by Aidan Holland and Dermot Hackett, Coleman is taking nothing for granted.

'Look, Ballygarvan played senior up to a few years ago, and our girls are still learning a lot,” he said.

This is a local derby and it could go either way. It has the makings of a serious game.

'We played them in the league this year in Ballygarvan, and there was only a point between us.'

Midleton man Paudie O’Brien, drafted in to bring Ballygarvan back to the promised land, is also convinced this game is going to be a cracker, but he believes his side have it all to do.

'Ballinhassig have four Cork minors; we don’t have anyone who is currently playing on the county teams, but we have players who have played county in the past, including Sarah Ahern and Elle O’Regan. Other than that, we haven’t the same experience.

Izzy O’Regan’s injury has been a huge loss both to her club and county, but having arrived at the South County Club late last year, O’Brien has been happy with the team’s approach to their work.

'What most impressed me is their mindset. In fairness, they have a great attitude, and when they are on the field, their application is spot on,' he remarked.

For Garvan to topple their neighbours, the girls will have to play for 60 minutes, and some of their big guns, including Sarah Ahern, Ave Bohan, Ella Kelleher, and Rachel O’Regan, will need to lead the line.

Having played the tougher of the quarter-finals, the close encounter with Enniskeane and the extra time will certainly stand to Ballygarvan.

There is a big prize on offer—not just a spot in the county Premier Intermediate final, but also a place in the senior ranks for 2026.

Ballinhassig who come into Saturday's game as favourites