Remarkable Rangers head to Galway to face most formidable of foes
Comeragh Rangers face the unenviable prospect of a trip to Kilkerrin-Clonberne of Galway this Sunday as they bid to book their place in an All-Ireland Final for the first time in their history.
Talk of Croke Park will certainly not be entertained in the build-up but no doubt it will have crossed the mind having conquered Munster earlier this month.
However, it’s hard to think of anything other than the immediate task ahead when facing a side on a quest for a fifth All-Ireland title on the bounce.
Comeragh Rangers may have already toppled one winning machine in the form of Ballymacarbry at local level, but Kilkerrin-Clonberne are a different beast entirely.
They recently steamrolled their way to an eighth Connacht crown on the spin - defeating the Roscommon champions by 21 points in the decider. They’ve also won the last four All Irelands by at least four points.
Many of these players will have faced off before at inter-county level when representing Waterford and Galway, and it’ll be those calibre of players that will have to be at their absolute best should Comeragh Rangers hope to progress in the west.
Sisters Eva and Lynsey Noone are the chief threats up front, while captain Louise Ward and the three Divillys - Niamh, Siobhán and Olivia also strike fear simply looking at the teamsheet. Chloe Miskell will also be a name familiar to many.
Comeragh Rangers will look to the Murray contingent, as All-Star Emma and sisters Katie, Aoife and Cora will lead the charge. Clodagh, Mairéad and Eibhlín Power have also been in top form of late while young Ava Connolly is always a goal threat.
Keeley Corbett Barry and Aine Power are also key cogs in the wheel as Ger Power’s side seek to hit new heights.
The Galway champions faced Ballymacarbry at this stage in Fraher Field three years ago and held the Déise side to just 0-2.
That emphasises the scale of the task ahead but if anyone is capable of slaying the giants, it’s Comeragh Rangers.
A good start will be imperative because chasing a game against Kilkerrin-Clonberne is often a recipe for disaster.
Defensively, it will take a mammoth effort to keep out the aforementioned forwards who all average 0-3 each on a bad day.
Comeragh Rangers have shown a keen eye for goal and they’ll need to rattle the net clinically throughout to take this scalp.
I fancy them to give the All-Ireland champions an almighty scare this Sunday as they’re a different test to many other teams and they can be hard to get to grips with.
No matter what happens, it’s been an incredible year for Comeragh Rangers as they break new ground.
You can’t look past the four-in-a-row All-Ireland champions at home, but if anyone can - Comeragh can.
Trust an Emma Murray inspired side to push them every inch of the way, and who knows what might happen.
