Eoin Brennan previews the senior camogie championship semi-finals taking place this Saturday

Truagh-Clonlara v Kilmaley at Fr. McNamara Park Doora, Saturday 2pm
(Kevin Walsh, Wolfe Tones)

All eyes were on Truagh-Clonlara this year to see how they would respond to the heartbreak of a first senior final reverse.

With the McMahon Cup almost in their grasp, the South East Clare side were remarkably reeled in by Scariff-Ogonnelloe at the death last November before being lowered in the replay a fortnight later.

It could have had a detrimental effect but if anything, Truagh-Clonlara have come back stronger as they defiantly look to get over the line this time around.

Off the back of their validation group decider victory over Inagh-Kilnamona, this could be a potential stumbling block as with expectations firmly on reaching another final, Truagh simply cannot overlook the challenge that’s in front of them.

After all, in similar circumstances two years previously, Kilmaley almost brought down eventual champions Inagh-Kilnamona who took extra-time and much introspection to finally prevail.

With the invaluable re-addition of Claire McMahon this year, Kilmaley are more experienced but ultimately may not have sufficient balance to take down last year’s finalists.
Verdict: Truagh-Clonlara

Scariff-Ogonnelloe v Inagh-Kilnamona at Fr. McNamara Park Doora, Saturday 5pm
(Andy McMahon, Cratloe)

Amazingly for a rivalry only begun in the past few seasons, Scariff-Ogonnelloe and Inagh-Kilnamona’s familiarity has become almost an annual event at minor, Under 21 and senior levels.

Indeed, this is the sides’ fifth semi-final clash in six seasons, with the previously four equally shared between East and West of the County.

Crucially however, while Inagh-Kilnamona edged a group decider in 2020, when it comes to recent semi-finals, Scariff-Ogonnelloe have won the last two on route to historic senior titles.

More than that, deep down Inagh-Kilnamona will feel a certain envy and understandable hurt that Scariff-Ogonnelloe were able to follow suit with two Munster Senior Club crowns to boot whereas Inagh-Kilnamona would suffer three provincial final defeats.

It’s far too premature to label this as a last chance saloon bid for Inagh-Kilnamona to wrestle back control domestically at least but certainly psychologically they cannot afford another penultimate stage reverse to the same opponents.

Injuries have begun to mount for Inagh-Kilnamona though over the course of the championship whereas if anything Scariff-Ogonnelloe are bolstered their squad with the return of Aoife Power and Ciara Doyle from long term injuries.
Verdict: Scariff-Ogonnelloe