Clare Junior side eager to make up for lost time in Munster Final

Clare v Kerry at Mungret, Limerick, Saturday, 12.30pm

Very few teams in any code or age grade of the GAA will have experienced as long a wait as the Clare Junior Camogie team for Championship action.
After being unceremoniously removed from the 2020 All-Ireland Premier Junior Championship after the tightening of government restrictions late last year meant only one team per county would be permitted to field a team, Clare finally have the opportunity to do their talking on the pitch.
They were prepared to compete in a Munster semi-final last weekend, but with Waterford giving their opponents a bye, Ann Marie McGann and Tim McGrath’s charges now enter this final without playing a Championship game, something which is a source of frustration for McGann.
“I’m disappointed that Waterford didn’t play the game. We would rather play the game and lose then not play it at all.
“They should have said something before this and let us and Limerick go hell for leather in the semi final.
“I think it’s disrespectful to the competition and to us.”
McGann admits that the junior camogie team not being allowed to complete last year’s Championship was a huge blow with the decision leaving her players “dejected.”
“It was tough to watch as we felt it was unfair on us and the other second teams who were not allowed to compete.
“The girls were so dejected when they got the news. We have the majority of them back again but we are getting them back up to speed after no competition last year.”
Clare face a stiff test this weekend when they come up against a Kerry outfit who won the All-Ireland title at this grade in 2019. Kerry have played two Munster Championship games as McGann was impressed with their performance when dismantling Cork by 2-16 to 0-5 last weekend.
“That game was definitely an eye opener. I though Cork would be closer but Kerry have come on a long way.
“They have been playing together a few years now so it’s a really tough test for us.”
The joint manager admits that Kerry’s trio of Patrice Diggin, Laura Collins and Jackie Horgan will be difficult to stop on Saturday.
“Those three are around a long time. They are well able to play. We know Jackie Horgan has an eye for goal so we will try and nullify those players and hope our players can stand up on the day.”
“We have to play our own game. I don’t want us getting beaten off the park so first of all we are looking for a performance. If we go down we go down fighting.”

by Ivan Smyth