Shamrocks on guard against renaissant Emmet’s

By Niall Gartland

EITHER Loughgiel or Sleacht Néill have claimed the last 11 Ulster Senior Camogie titles – but it’s certainly not been a case of trading them back and forth on an annual basis.

The Shamrocks claimed the 2014 and 2015 before Sleacht Néill embarked on a phenomenal run of sixth successive titles, with a historic All-Ireland three-in-a-row thrown into the mix.

As it happened, Loughgiel came out second best in all six of those provincial showdowns, but the tables have turned and it’s the Shamrocks who are now bidding for their fourth Ulster Championship title in as many years.

Indeed, Sleacht Néill didn’t even make it out of Derry this time last year but they avenged their defeat against neighbours Swatragh in style in their latest county final outing a few weeks back. Now the goal is to re-establish themselves as the leading team in the province so it’s set to be a blockbuster occasion when they host Loughgiel in this Sunday’s semi-final clash.

Speaking ahead of the game, Loughgiel camogie manager Johnny Campbell, whose wife Charlene is a long-standing player for the Shamrocks, acknowledged that they’ll have to be at their very, very best to fend off their challengers and book their spot in an Ulster final against Clonduff.

“Sleacht Néill had a bump in the road last year, missing a couple of players but a lot of them are back. Look, they’ve cruised through the year and they’re a very good side.

“It’s a massive task, Sleacht Néill in Sleacht Néill is probably the hardest task in Ulster. There’s never been too much between the sides throughout the years, even when they were winning All-Irelands. It’s been a really healthy rivalry, the two teams know a fair bit about each other, and it’ll be all on the day.”

The Shamrocks claimed their 12th successive title in Antrim with a victory over Dunloy, but they were pushed right to the brink in a classic encounter.

An injury-time goal from hat-trick hero Annie Lynn proving absolutely pivotal in a 4-11 to 1-17 victory, and Campbell was delighted with his side’s resilience against an excellent Dunloy side.

“Listen, we were four weeks without a game heading into that county final. Dunloy brought a savage intensity to the game. Being honest we struggled early doors and they got into a lead.

“It took a resolve in all of us to get back into the game. We got goals at the right time – we went ahead just before half-time, and we didn’t go behind again, which shows character in our goals. It was a massive game and it was as intense a game in Antrim camogie that I can actually remember.”

The Loughgiel team is stacked with vastly experienced camogs who have won a mammoth amount in their careers, but they are also introducing fresh talent to the team like Marie Laverty, who has nailed down a starting berth in her first season at this level.

“Marie’s still a minor this year. We’re blessed to have good numbers and talent coming through. She’s a joy to coach, she never says too much and has a smile on her face the whole team.

“We’ve done 12 in-a-row and if you don’t have some sort of turnover, you’re never going to keep that up. I can only speak for myself, coming in this year, but as regards Marie, she is there on merit. I haven’t thrown her in for the sake of it, just to bring in a younger player. That’s something we’ve tried to instill – if you’re showing well in training, you’ll be included.”