Division Four camogie

Tyrone v Wicklow

Saturday, Carrickmore, 2pm

By Niall Gartland

IT’S the start of the new season for the Tyrone senior camogs, and their manager Declan Sherlock hopes that recent glories at club level will filter through to the intercounty squad.

Tyrone get their Division Four campaign underway against Wicklow this Saturday at Carrickmore, and Sherlock sees no reason why they can’t progress up the ranks given the talent at their disposal.

There’s a number of girls on the squad who pocketed All-Ireland medals with their club Naomh Treasa prior to Christmas, while two Derrylaughan girls – Sian Fitzpatrick and Nicoloa McKeever – are currently preparing for their shot at All-Ireland glory in a week’s time.

Offaly native Sherlock, who lives in Castlederg, has returned as manager and hopes that it’ll be a case of success breeding success for the Red Hand camogs.

“It’s fabulous – anything that makes girls want to play camogie because of what they see happening is always a plus.

“We won’t always get the pick of the camogie players in Tyrone because some girls have too much on. It’s a big commitment, but I have to say it’s been getting better in terms of getting girls out. We also have a couple of younger girls on board and we’re hoping to see how they get on in the league.”

Tyrone managed to reach the Nancy Murray Cup final last year, but they lost out by three points to a decent Mayo side. Still, it was a sign of progress.

Sherlock said: “We sorta lost it in the third quarter, we didn’t score in that period and they blitzed us. We found it hard to recover but it wasn’t for the lack of trying. Maybe we should’ve taken our points instead of going for goal late on but it’s easy to be wise after the event.

“We’re aiming to move up the ranks. There’s a lot of good Tyrone teams at underage level so we’re hoping to win something as it’ll encourage them to come into the senior team.”

The possible merging of the Camogie Association, LGFA and GAA is a hot topic ahead of this weekend’s Congress, and Sherlock believes joined up thinking is important to avoid a repeat of last year, when dual players Grainne Rafferty (who at this point of time isn’t on the panel) and Reagan Fay played competitive matches for the Tyrone ladies and camogs in the one day.

“If they talk to each other it would make things a lot easier. We have about eight minors who are dual players and some are qualified for the seniors as well. Where’s the consideration for their workload?

“I don’t have the answer but they need to consider the workload of those talented dual-players as playing both sports should be to their benefit ultimately.”