Cork begin their Centra National Camogie League Division 1A title defence in Walsh Park on Saturday against Waterford (2pm) in what should be a competitive outing for the holders.
The fact that manager Ger Manley is without ten of last year’s All-Ireland final starting 15 makes it even more challenging.
Those unavailable include Katrina and Pamela Mackey, captain Méabh Cahalane and her younger sister Orlaith, Aoife Healy, Laura Treacy, Hannah Looney, Laura Hayes, Sorcha McCartan and Amy O’Connor.
Cliona Healy, Kate Wall, Niamh O’Leary and Orlaith Mullins are others they must do without.
Injuries, retirements and AFL are the main causes of the shortfall.
Their line out will be built around the experienced Amy Lee, Libby Coppinger, Ashling Thompson, Emma Murphy and Saoirse McCarthy.
And Manley is eager to get the season underway.
“We are all looking forward to it, it’s a new campaign with lots of new players,” he says.
“It has always been the case that the next player steps up. We used 34 players last year in the league, we will be looking at doing the same this year. That’s the way we want it.
“For a lot of the girls, it is their first opportunity. There is good talent there. It is a chance for them to get themselves prepared for the championship.
“We trained them hard for the last three weeks to see where they are at. “There will be ups and downs, but we will push on with what we have.”
The newcomers bring form from other grades and various competitions.
“We have girls from the U23 team, girls from last year’s panel, and girls from UCC that won the Ashbourne Cup on Sunday after a great campaign.
“We’ve brought one or two up from the minors.
“From St Finbarr’s (All-Ireland club finalists) we’ve added in Keeva McCarthy, Eimear Hurley (joins Ciara O’Leary as sub goalkeeper) and Aisling Egan. Méabh and Orlaith Cahalane are back training.
“Hayley Ryan and Cliona O’Callaghan have joined from Blackrock, they had a good campaign as well.”
The Rebels backroom team has also undergone change, with head coach Séan Crowley now assisted by James Nyhan.
“There is plenty of experience in there between Séan and James, and Gemma O’Connor too. I have to give her credit. Last year was her first year with us, but this year she is helping the lads coaching-wise.” Meanwhile, a number of new rules are being trialed in the league, U23 and senior championship.
Among them is increasing the penalties for dissent. Team captains (or a nominated player when either the captain is the team’s goalkeeper, or the captain has left the field of play) are the only people permitted to speak to the referee to seek clarification of their decisions. And sideline pucks may be taken from the player’s hand, if she is inside her own 45.
“Once they improve the game, I have no problem with them,” Manley offers.
“We played a challenge game recently and the referee spoke to us before it. They are also keeping an eye on the handpass, which we know is an issue in both hurling and camogie.
“The line ball out of the hand from inside the 45 will change the game a little bit because if you have a girl who can drive the sliotar 60 or 70 yards, you are on the attack straight away.
“Tackling is an issue, there is going to be different interpretations by refs, the same as the handpass. I think the refs will be fair enough about it.
“The captain is the only player that can talk to the referee, which is tough, because your captain could be your corner-back or corner-forward. I don’t know how they are going to work that. A small bit of common sense will have to come into it.
“I think the refs have improved big time, they have to now because everybody is putting so much time into it.”
Amy Lee (Na Piarsaigh), Meabh Murphy (Ballinora), Libby Coppinger (St Colum’s), Aoife O’Neill (St Finbarr’s); Ava Fitzgerald (Sarsfields), Daire O’Brien (Enniskeane), Rachel Harty (Ballyhea); Ashling Thompson (Milford), Millie Condon (Ballinascarthy); Emma Murphy (Glen Rovers), Saoirse McCarthy (Courcey Rovers), Keeva McCarthy (St Finbarr’s); Cliona O Callaghan (Blackrock), Niamh McNabola (Cloughduv), Hayley Ryan (Blackrock).
