‘We’re expecting a huge challenge from Donard’

A casual request about ‘helping out’ from Mary Byrne over a decade ago was the moment that Knockananna camogie boss Tom began his involvement in Knockananna Camogie club and he has been heavily involved ever since.

He laughs heartily when he recalls that evening and now he has brought his side to yet another championship final where they face a tough task in the form of defending champions Donard

The Glen, the team that broke their hearts this time last year in Dunbur Park in Wicklow town.

Last season was a difficult one for the Knockananna girls. A lack of camogie left them at a disadvantage to the DonardThe Glen side who were playing league games in Kildare that really sharpened their hurling ability.

A rout in Knockananna for the Donard-The Glen women foretold of difficulties in that decider played in beautiful sunshine and a gallant showing by the then defending champions came up short as Donard-the Glen claimed victory by a single point after a cracking game.

This year things are differwent, however. Tom has welcome several players back into the fold and has brought some new players up where they have really found their feet.

All over the field they look a stronger unit than last season. Kellie Byrne is looking powerful in defence with able lieutenants in Clare Byrne and Alice Mulhall.

Emily Hadden is proving a rock at six while Jessie Byrne and

Aimee Maher are two complete athletes in the middle of the field and will cause Donard-the Glen serious problems.

They defeated Donard-The Glen by 1-9 to 1-4 in the champiuonship a few weeks back in a game that neither camp will read anything into but their scores came from Maher, Sarah Byrne, Nicmh Byrne and Shannagh Goetelen along with Kellie Byrne from placed balls proving that they have the firepower to hurt the defending champions in this final.

Throw in the experiences

Macayla Murphy in goals and the likes of Áine Byrne ansd possibly Laura Hogan on the bench and you have a serious outfit ready and able to gain revenge for the defeat in Dunbur lat year.

Manager Tom Byrne is expecting a mammoth challenge from the Donard-the Glen side.

‘We’re expecting a huge challenge because Donard are the county champions. They defeated us twice last year. I know in the league we were a bit under power but they are hot favourites.

‘But we’ll be well up for the challenge. The girls are really, really up for it now this year. I’m hoping for a big game from them and hopefully we’ll get the rub of the green,’ he said.

‘There’s a really good buzz this year. We’ve a few girls back, the numbers are good. There’s a couple of girls who have come on. Everything is going really well and hopefully that will turn into a really good performance on Sunday and it will get us over the line,’ he said.

The Senior final gets underway at 5pm.