Cork head to Tipp for camogie double bill after ruthless demolition of Limerick

Cork head to Tipperary on Saturday in their second round-robin game in the Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Camogie Championship.

The senior team are in action at The Ragg at 4.30pm, in a double-header with the U23 side who throw-in at 2pm. With two games on it should draw a big crowd to the venue, with Cork favourites in the senior game.

The Ragg is never an easy place to win and Cork know that travelling up there and will be hoping to repeat their recent league win at the home of Tipperary camogie.

In the league encounter, from the throw-in, they showed the determination needed. Up front the likes of Clodagh Finn and Orlaith Cahalane had the Tipp defence under constant pressure and they found it difficult to cope with them.

Add in others like Saoirse McCarthy and Kate Wall, who made sure that it was a difficult day for the Tipp defenders. But when it was needed in the second half, with the wind howling into their faces, the Cork defence was simply magnificent.

They kept Tipp from scoring from play for the entire game, a stat that will keep any defender happy.

That win put them into the league final and a repeat tomorrow will see them well on their way to securing a spot in the knockout stages of the All-Ireland championship.

Since that victory Cork went on to win the league and also reached the Munster final, which was subsequently postponed due to the shorts v skorts debate.

Thankfully that issue is well and truly sorted and it meant action resumed on the pitch last weekend.

Because of the postponement of the Munster final it meant Cork, and others, had no game for five weeks, but looking at the Rebels’ display last weekend you wouldn’t have known.

RUTHLESS

They took on Limerick in their opening round-robin game, one they were always expected to win. But it was the manner of their win that was most impressive.

They were simply ruthless as they brushed aside the challenge of the Treaty by 6-25 to 0-5.

A small example of their drive and ambition was shown by Finn in the second half. She has been one of Cork’s most impressive players all season and hit another 2-3 against Limerick.

Well into the second half, when the game was well and truly over as a contest, the Limerick keeper had possession of the ball.

Instead of letting her free to clear her lines Finn was in to tackle and dispossess her to score her second goal, showing that ruthless streak that all great sides have.

Tipperary will be well aware of this and no doubt will have a game plan to counteract Cork’s considerable threat up front. Finn, Orlaith Cahalane and Amy O’Connor scored 5-13 between them against Limerick and will take some stopping again tomorrow.

Add in others like Katrina Mackey and Saoirse McCarthy and the Rebels have an abundance of forwards that can frighten any defence.

Emma Murphy also impressed against Limerick and with Sorcha McCartan not far off return the signs are very positive as Cork bid to retain their All-Ireland title. Defensively they will have a far busier time against Tipp than the Limerick clash, but they will be prepared for that.

They will need to keep a close eye on the likes of Grace O’Brien, Mary Burke, Clodagh McIntyre and Roisin Howard to make sure they make it two from two.

Laura Treacy and Aoife Healy both went off at half-time against Limerick but are fit for selection tomorrow and should form part of a formidable half-back line alongside Laura Hayes.

It will be tight but expect Cork to make it two from two and keep their winning run going.