After 22 years in the wilderness, the Kilkenny camogie team will have another chance to reclaim the All-Ireland title tomorrow. Standing in their way are reigning champions Cork.
It seems fitting that their manager Ann Downey will co-ordinate the Kilkenny charges from the sidelines. She was previously involved with, and often captained the squad, during the county's rich period of All-Ireland success between 1974 and 1994.
Kilkenny last contested for All-Ireland honours two years ago against the same opposition, in which they relinquished a five-point half-time lead, to ultimately go down by six. This year however, Kilkenny have displayed some impressive form. They accounted for Galway on the way to winning the League and survived extra-time in the semi-final to book a place in tomorrow's showpiece.
Interestingly, Cork also passed the extra-time examination in their respective semi-final against Wexford and are now on course for a three-in-a-row.
The two counties will also meet in the Intermediate final tomorrow. The separate Cork squads plan to travel in separate busses and as many as 10 members of the Intermediate team could be drafted into the senior squad for the next game.
Paudie Murray, who previously exposed the terrible conditions that his players have sometimes been exposed to, will take charge of both sides. And according to the Irish Independent, some 17 people will comprise the Cork management teams overseeing the two matches tomorrow. A number of mentors will be placed in the stands, where they will communicate their observations to those on the sidelines. Nine selectors/coaches are expected to patrol the senior squad.
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