Offaly bid for first camogie title after going so close last year

The Offaly camogie team will be bidding to go one better than last year when they face Waterford in this Sunday's All-Ireland junior final at Croke Park (12.45pm). The Faithful girls have all the hard work done now and, under the management of Joachim Kelly, Catherine Byrne, Mark Corrigan and Ger Fogarty, they are fully focused on the All-Ireland final. It has been a long hard road since last September and that devastating, narrow defeat to Clare in last year's final, but the girls have done the county proud with their dedication and commitment to their task. The girls have trained in sun, rain, frost and snow and without fail have put in 100 per cent all year long. They have learned so much from the experience of these former Offaly hurling greats and the team have gone from strength to strength and have learned so much in a year. So now all we need is for the Offaly people to get behind these girls and show them how much we think of them by putting out our flags like they did over the years for the county's hurling and football teams and then to get to Croke Park and support them there. Facing a Waterford team who are appearing in their first All-Ireland junior final, the Offaly girls are determined to bring home the New Ireland Cup for the very first time. Marion Crean captains Offaly for the second year in a row, while Waterford are led by Sally O'Grady. The game throws in at 12.45 and will shown 'live' on RTE, with coverage starting at 12.30. Offaly's clash with Waterford will be the first instalment of a triple header of All-Ireland finals at Croke Park on Sunday. The All-Ireland senior camogie championship final between defending champions Cork and Kilkenny will throw in at 2.45pm, and it will be followed by the All-Ireland under-21 hurling championship final between Clare and Kilkenny (4.30). Cork are bidding for their 24th All Ireland senior camogie title, which would bring them to within two titles of Dublin who top the roll of honour with 26 titles. Camogie Association president Joan O'Flynn said: "Every Camogie player's dream is to win an All-Ireland in Croke Park. So in next Sunday's Gala All-Ireland finals dreams will come true in the biggest day in the sporting lives of the players of Cork and Kilkenny, Waterford and Offaly. "The All Ireland finals are the showcase of Camogie. The skill, speed, athleticism and artistry of the game's finest players will be on display. The club and family base of Camogie, as part of the Gaelic Games community, will be much in evidence. "I am delighted that this year's All Ireland programme continues to unite the Camogie and hurling families when the All Ireland 21 hurling title will also to be decided. A great day of action is in prospect." This is the fourth year of Gala's sponsorship of the Camogie Championship and Gala CEO, Gary Desmond, is delighted to be involved again this year. "In Gala's fourth year partnering the Camogie Association, we are thrilled with how the relationship has developed. As an Irish company, with over 200 stores, we are proud to be the title sponsors. The Gala All-Ireland Senior and Junior Championship Finals are the pinnacle of the Camogie season. Cork, Kilkenny, Offaly and Waterford have all showed tremendous talent, spirit and determination to get this far. We're all looking forward to a thrilling day of Irish sporting action." Ticket Information Tickets for Sunday's matches can be purchased from the GAA Ticket Office - Phone: 01 8717400 or online: http://tickets.gaa.ie. Admission Prices: Adults - €30; Students & OAP - €10; Juveniles - €5, There will be three selling points on Sunday: GAA Ticket Shop at 53A, Dorset St Lower; GAA Ticket Shop on North Circular Road - opposite Gill's Pub; GAA Ticket Outlet at junction of Ballybough Road and Clonliffe Road. All will be open from 10am on match day and close at 4.30pm. Homecoming Function Whatever the result there will be a function in the County Arms Hotel, Birr, on Sunday night to welcome home the Offaly team. The County Board would like to acknowledge the great work being done by the fundraising team headed up by Paddy Kirwan. Their last event will be a Table Quiz in Kelly's, Birr, tonight (Friday), September 11, at 9.30pm. So this is your last chance to make a contribution to the All Ireland Training Fund, a great night is guaranteed.