Connolly’s side “raring to go” ahead of decider

Limerick’s junior camogie team go in search of All-Ireland honours as they take on Kerry in the Premier Junior Camogie All-Ireland Final in Croke Park. With the big day almost upon the team, manager Kevin Connolly says the team are ready to go come throw-in.

“All the preparations are done at this stage. Just looking forward to the match. Especially since the semi-final win, training has been very competitive. So, we’re raring to go.”

Limerick have played five games thus far in the championship. They actually met this weekend’s opponents Kerry in their championship opener in Croagh where they were defeated by last year’s All-Ireland finalists 0-11 to 1-5.

There next game out saw them draw with Waterford 1-15 to 2-12. They found their rhythm in their third game defeating Wicklow 14-23 to 1-3 before they overcame Offaly in their final game to book a place in the semi-final.

They controlled the last four contest against Roscommon from start to finish showing a maturity that saw them into the League final against Intermediate side Kildare earlier in the year.

Limerick eventually won out by 1-12 to 0-8 to book a rematch of their opening game of the season. For Connolly, the Kerry challenge will be great this Sunday. “The game itself. There was a puck of the ball in it and I expect the same again in the final.

“I saw them in the semi-final. They have a few changes. A few of their girls were gone traveling, they’re back now. They came on the last day but whether they start the final, that’s not up to me. But I expect to see them play”

Not only is an All-Ireland medal and promotion on offer this Sunday but the final also gives the players the opportunity to play at Croke Park, the pinnacle of the GAA. Regardless of the result, Connolly is excited for the player’s chance to showcase their abilities on Sunday with a bright future ahead for the panel.

“It’s a dream come through for these girls. Everyone wants to play in Croke Park and these girls have achieved that. These are memories for life, these kinds of situations. So, I hope they progress onto the Senior team. They learn their trade here and hopefully over the next few years or next year some will make it to senior.”