Camogie Calling
By Shane Brophy
Camogie is Tipperary’s last opportunity of All-Ireland silverware in 2023 and they have a strong chance of being doubly represented at Croke Park on All-Ireland Finals day on Sunday, 6th August.
The seniors have come up short in four of the last five semi-finals and Munster rivals Waterford stand in their way of a first All-Ireland final appearance since 2006 when they meet at UPMC Nowlan Park, Kilkenny, on Saturday, 22nd July at 3.30pm along with the second semi-final between Galway and Cork which throws-in at 5.30pm.
Denis Kelly’s charges booked their place in the last four with a devastating second half performance in beating Antrim 3-23 to 0-6 in the quarter final at Croke Park on Saturday.
Tipp were sluggish in the opening half but looked to have found their flow in the run up to half time when they opened a 0-10 to 0-5 lead and completely ran away from the Ulster side in the second half, outscoring them 3-13 to 0-1.
The Tipperary Camogie Board are making a big push for premier county supporters to get to Kilkenny in big numbers to help get Tipp over the line past a Waterford side that are appearing in the semi-finals for the second year in a row and were equally as impressive in beating Antrim in the group stage two weeks ago.
While Tipp did beat Waterford well in the Munster semi-final in early May, but the Deise will believe they can reach an All-Ireland Final where for the first time since 2012, it won’t be a final involving just Cork, Galway, or Kilkenny.
Tickets are on sale for the senior semi-final double-header with general admission of €15 with students/senior citizens €8 and under 16’s just €3. There are also special group packages available for juvenile and students for clubs to bring teams.
Saturday week will be a busy day for Tipp camogie as the junior team face Roscommon in their All-Ireland semi-final which is currently fixed for Ashbourne in Meath at 1.00pm, along with the other semi-final between Armagh and Clare. However, it is unlikely that the game will be moved to form a triple header in Kilkenny or to a venue closer to the senior semi-final venue.
The Tipperary under 16’s will look to set the example for both sides when they take on Galway in the All-Ireland semi-final in Mallow this Saturday at 2.00pm, along with the second semi-final between Cork and Wexford.