Eglish return to the provincial stage

THE Ulster Intermediate Camogie Championship is back on the books this year and Eglish will take on Crossmaglen for the provincial title this Saturday afternoon.

Eglish received a bye into the All-Ireland series in 2023 and 2024 after Clonduff’s promotion to the senior grade left a void to be filled. This year, Armagh champions Crossmaglen have stepped into that void.

Remarkably, Eglish recently clinched their 25th senior championship title in a row with a hard-earned victory over Naomh Treasa.

There was no guarantee of maintaining their unbeaten run – Naomh Treasa are pushing hard and Eglish have had to contend with the absence of some key players this season.

Young players like Lottie Mackin and Gemma Daly, however, are playing exceptionally well, and that’s ensured their stranglehold on the Tyrone title lives on for another year.

Overseeing matters on the sideline is St Gall’s man, Antoin McCaffery. He believes the club deserves great credit for maintaining their high standards.

“It’s a brilliant club. Before I even took on the role, anyone I spoke to couldn’t say anything other than positive things about Eglish. It’s a really good group and club to be working with.

“There was a lot of talk when I came in about girls who were either retired or missing from last year’s starting panel.

“Naomh Treasa possibly thought it would be their year, and to be fair, they’re a really good side, but our young girls have really stepped up, and that’s a testament to the volunteers in the club, that they’re able to bring through quality players again and again.”

It hasn’t always been easy for Eglish to find appropriate competition, and they were disappointed that they weren’t permitted to field in the Armagh leagues this year.

They’ve worked around it and are in good nick heading into Saturday’s final.

McCaffery said: “Games can be few and far between. The girls used to compete in the Armagh leagues and this year Armagh didn’t let them for some reason.

“That meant it was harder to get games for the girls, but we had a lot of challenge games during the summer to get them prepped for the championship.”

Crossmaglen defied the odds by overcoming a Granemore side chasing a fourth successive Senior Championship title in Armagh. McCaffery wasn’t surprised that Cross’ came out on top on the big day.

“In fairness from what I’ve watched of Crossmaglen, and even from what I’d heard, I’m not sure it was a surprise to anybody – bar maybe Granemore who I’m sure rightly fancied themselves.

“Crossmaglen are a very strong team and from what I’ve been told are probably favourites for this Ulster title.”