Athenry and Sarsfields favourites to advance into Galway camogie final
THE Galway Senior Camogie Championship reaches the business end this weekend, with the last two champions, Athenry and Sarsfields, strong favourites to book their places in the county final.
However, Shamrocks and Oranmore Maree will both view this weekend as an opportunity to cause an upset and secure their place in the decider.
Saturday:
Sarsfields v Shamrocks
in Killimor (12pm)
Shamrocks will take part in their first ever Galway Senior Camogie Championship semi-final this weekend. The 2025 Senior B champions have adapted impressively to Senior A camogie and remain unbeaten in this year’s championship.
Two goals from Niamh McInerney helped Shamrocks go in level at 2-5 to 1-8 against Mullagh at the interval in their quarter-final. Katie Gilchrist kept the scoreboard ticking during the second half as Shamrocks eventually saw off Mullagh by three points.
Galway camogie star Ally Hesnan, who enjoyed a breakout season for Cathal Murray’s charges, is another key player for Dessie O’Halloran’s side.
Sarsfields remain the standard bearers of Galway camogie, having won five of the last six County Championships. Athenry brought an end to their dominance last year and Sarsfields will be determined to get back on top.
Niamh, Orlaith and Siobhan McGrath bring plenty of experience to Hopper McGrath’s side, while Caoimhe Kelly and Shannon Corcoran have also been in impressive form for the 2024 champions.
Sarsfields appear further down the line than Shamrocks and their experience may just prove to be the difference between the teams.
Verdict: Sarsfields
Sunday:
Athenry v Oranmore Maree
in Kilbeacanty (1pm).
ATHENRY will be aiming to win back-to-back county titles for the first time since 2009. Oranmore Maree stand in their way this weekend, with Joe Rabbitte aiming to guide his club into another county final this season.
The reigning All-Ireland champions have been without Olwen Rabbitte, who is recovering from an ACL injury. Sabina Rabbitte has returned from injury for Athenry after missing Galway’s All-Ireland final against Cork.
Dervla Higgins is likely to match up with Oranmore Maree’s Ailish O’Reilly this weekend, while Sinead Feeney, Clodagh Burke and Kayla Madden are among the exciting talents within the Athenry ranks.
A late goal from Ailish O’Reilly sealed Oranmore Maree’s place in the last four of the championship. They were also boosted by the return of Niamh Hannify in their quarter-final victory over Ardrahan, while Rachael Hannify and Roisin Black will be aiming to shut down a dangerous Athenry attack this weekend.
Verdict: Athenry
Craughwell meet Salthill Knocknacarra in the Senior B Camogie Championship semi-final on Saturday in Killimor (2pm), while St Thomas’ face Kinvara in the other semi-final on Sunday in Clarinbridge (1pm).
Meanwhile, Liam Mellows take on Eyrecourt in the Intermediate Championship semi-final on Sunday in Tynagh (12pm), while Sarsfields’ second team lock horns with Kiltormer in Clarinbridge (3pm) on the same day.