Sport

Knock-out time as cats seek to advance

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR

SPORTSEDITORKILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

BRIAN Dowling and his team make the long trip to Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork tomorrow for the quarter- nal clash with Wexford ( row-in 5pm).

For those without tickets, the game will be live on RTE2 from 4.30pm.

Both teams came through the group stages in second spot, ensuring they would go into the draw with Kilkenny, Waterford and unlucky roundrobin winners, Tipperary, for the last six clashes. e winners from the two ties will go into the draw with Cork and Galway to determine the semi- nal line-up.

It has been far from plain sailing for the cats in the championship this year, as opponents have raised their game when facing the defending champions, something that all-star defender Claire Phelan alluded to in her interview with the Kilkenny Observer earlier this week (SEE PAGES XX-XX).

Dowling’s team began their campaign in Sixmilebridge against the Banner, and emerged winners on a score line of 0-22 to 0-16, but had to battle hard to earn the opening day victory, with Windgap’s Denise Gaule top scoring with ten points. e second group game saw the team hit the road again, this time to TEG Cusack Park in Mullingar, where they faced-o against Darren McCormack’s Westmeath. is was probably expected to be the easiest of the roundrobin games, but in true sporting fashion, the Lake County hadn’t read the script and put in an incredible display and led up until the secondhalf water break, when a superb Miriam Walsh goal kickstarted the cats and pushed them on to record a nine-point victory, 2-17 to 1-11.

Kilkenny welcomed last year’s beaten nalists, Galway to John Locke Park, Callan for the stand-out tie of the group stages. In a titanic battle, reminiscent of December’s decider at Croke Park, Galway player for almost 45 minutes with fourteen player and outfought their rivals to secure a onepoint win, and in doing so, secure a semi- nal berth and send the cats into a quarter- nal shoot-out with the Slaneysiders.

In the aftermath of the defeat, manager Dowling spoke of his disappointment at seeing his side outfought by the tribeswomen. I expect his side will not be second best in

terms of desire or hunger for the remaining part of the season.

Wexford come into tomorrow’s game as massive underdogs, but no doubt,

Kevin Tattan will have his team primed for their toughest assignment of the season so far. Wexford will point to the cats di cult outing in Mullingar, when Westmeath were the better side for large chunks of the game, before the cats pushed on after the second water break.

Having beaten Westmeath with ease in the league earlier this year, Tattan will know his charges are at a level above Darren McCormack’s side, and he will hope that this translates on the Cork turf tomorrow.

At the time of writing, neither manager has declared their starting XV, but both will have a

useful array of talent to choose from.

In Katrina Parrock, Wexford have a player who has a keen eye for goal, and the four-time All-Ireland winner will pose a serious threat to the cats defence. e Wexford boss has introduced a number of your camog’s during this year’s campaign, including dual star Sarah Harding-Kenny. e Shelmalier club-woman has cemented her place in the defence and is proving to be a great marker and a player that

Cork trip will be no holiday for champs champs

picks up a lot of breaking ball. e Sinnotts, both Maeve and Orla have announced themselves on the camogie inter-county scene with some ne performances in defence and mid eld respectively.

Tattan will be aware that his side will need to rack-up a decent total to seriously trouble the Nore siders. To that end Wexford will look to Parrock, Joanne Dillon and Chloe Foxe to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

Kilkenny will know what lies ahead at Páirc Uí Chaoimh. e tactics will have been drawn up to deal with the physical challenge that tomorrow’s opponents will bring.

To secure a place in the last four, Kilkenny will look to the ‘usual suspects’ to shoot them to victory. Denise Gaule, Katie Nolan and Aoife Doyle will look to show their clash and quality against the yellowbellies defence and will certainly be hopeful of raising a green ag or two. e mid eld will try to provide a platform for the forwards to shine, but more energy and tempo will be energy and tempo will be required to win the engine required to win the engine room battle. room battle.

In defence, Claire Phelan will look to anchor the fullwill look to anchor the fullback line, where she should back line, where she should be ably assisted by Michelle be ably assisted by Michelle Teehan and Davina Tobin. Teehan and Davina Tobin. ey will need their wits about ey will need their wits about them in dealing with a lively them in dealing with a lively Wexford attack spear-headed Wexford attack spear-headed most likely by Katrina Parrock. most likely by Katrina Parrock.

omastown’s Meighan omastown’s Meighan Farrell will captain the side from the number 6 berth and look to drive the team on and dominate possession.

As defending champions, there is a di erent kind of pressure attached. You are there to be shot at. Opposition this year have Kilkenny in their sights, and the team will have to respond in the manner of champions. Training since the Galway defeat has been ramped up. All players know that the person in form will get the nod and take the jersey, and that is clearly a motivating factor in each training session.

As shown in the win against Westmeath, manager Brian Dowling is not one to shy away from making changes, if things are not going well. In that group game, four of the ve subs were used by the 37th minute.

At Launch of the 2021 Camogie Association Knockout Stages of the All-Ireland Camogie Championships with Charity Partner ISPCC Childline, Claire Phelan said that the pressure of being both League and All-Ireland winners is not weighing heavily on the squad. “Look, it’s a position of strength that we are coming from, whereas in the past we were probably coming into these games from a di erent angle.”

Brian Dowling will not allow his panel to rest on their laurels, he demands more and this team wants more. Expect the cats to purr tomorrow.

>> SHERRY SAYS...........

OK, it’s not the most direct route to Croke Park, but games are better than training – aren’t they?

While Cork and Galway use the break in action to rest up and treat any niggles, our ladies hit the road again with a trip to the banks of the Lee. lying in wait are neighbours Wexford.

It will be a competitive physical battle as Kevin Tattan’s team have somewhat of a ‘free-shot’ at the champions. e yellowbeliies are now in bonus territory. e defeat to Galway will have hurt the team. Dowling will be hoping his team gets another crack at the westerners before the season concludes. is bunch of players has navigated through some di cult situations both last year and this season. ey know they have the ability. Desire and hunger will be the ingredients required to make the last four. e hunt to reclaim the O’Du y takes us to Cork. Let’s quiten the ‘noisy neighbours’.

Empty the tank girls.

Sport

Wexford will pose serious threat to AllIreland crown

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR

SPORTSEDITORKILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

ALLSTAR defender Claire Phelan believes her county are ready to meet the challenge of Wexford, and any other county as Kilkenny continues their quest to retain the O’Du y cup this weekend in Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

Speaking to the Kilkenny Observer ahead of the quarter- nal clash with the Model County, the Lisdowney clubwoman says the recent group game defeat to Galway has made the panel ‘re-focus’.

“Obviously we’d rather have beaten Galway the last day out, but they played an unbelievable game and outworked us, especially when down to 14 players.” “It was a game that could have gone either way, and towards the end their keeper made a great save, but that’s the way it goes sometimes.” “I had a shot near the end myself, and perhaps it would have been better falling to Denise (Gaule) or Katie (Nolan), but we live to ght another day and, in my mind, the better team won on the day.”

After the defeat in Callan, manager Brian Dowling hinted that training would be taken up a notch or two in preparation for the Wexford game, and Phelan admits the intensity has risen. “Look, all our sessions are pretty intensive, but the lads have cranked things up since the last game and it’s pretty competitive on the eld, as all the players battle for a starting place.”

When asked about the upcoming challenge from the Slaneysiders, Phelan is in no doubt about what lies ahead this weekend. “Wexford are a savage out t; we’ve played them a few times over the last year in challenge games and they are a very physical side with a strong running game, and we know they will keep going right to the end, but listen, it’s more about what we do and our game that’s whats important.”

“We have looked at the last game and know the areas that we have to improve on, rstly we need to match the oppositions hunger and work rate and I know our management team will have a plan for the players in terms of the tactics for the Wexford game.”

On the panel’s tness and player availability for tomorrow’s game, Claire appeared happy with the bill of health in the Kilkenny camp. “At this stage of the season you will always have some players with little niggles, but that’s par for the course, we are all raring to get back on the eld and hopefully get the win.” e Primary school teacher’s rst experience of playing at Páirc Uí Chaoimh came in last year’s All-Ireland semi- nal win over the rebel ladies, and Phelan is looking forward to getting back on the Cork turf. “It’s a fantastic pitch and great stadium, and that’s what it’s all about in championship Camogie, you want to have day’s out like this at the best venues.”

Phelan rst joined the senior panel in 2011, and the defender has been something of a permanent xture in the Cats defence since. Camogie has changed since her debut, and Claire believes it’s all positive. “ e game has come a long way, it’s de nitely much more physical and faster.” “ e whole approach to training, especially the area of strength and conditioning has brought players on immensely, and all the girls take it seriously and know that it’s vital to compete for All-Ireland’s. “When you look back at last year’s nal, it was an intense physical battle and we know the hard yards must be put in at training in order to challenge.”

Cat’s Phelan good ahead of rebel county road trip

Camogie has started to gain a little more prominence in terms of television and media coverage, and viewing gures show that the interest is certainly there for the sport. In a survey earlier this year, it was revealed that 89% of the population couldn’t name a single camogie player. Phelan is hoping that the increased coverage will change this. “It’s great to meet the young ones at Cul Camps, especially this year when we were able to bring the cup.” “ ey were lifting the cup pretending to be the players – look at me, I’m Anne Dalton.” You can sense the pride that Phelan feels when she recounts these memories.

Claire says that supporters around her club and in the county are now recognising the players, and are quick to let her know how they have performed. “You will get people now saying that they saw the game on TV and they will let you know if you went well or not!” e engaging Phelan says that she hopes the current panel’s exploits will encourage the youth and being on the next generation of camog’s and hurlers. “I hope they say “well if she can do it, why can’t I?”

On the appetite for further success, Phelan states that the desire remains as strong as ever to win more titles and ensure December’s All-Ireland nal victory is just the beginning for the cats. “In previous years, there has always been the hunger, perhaps we just weren’t lucky enough or good enough to get over the line, but I can see in this group that we all drive each other on, especially the younger, newer additions to the panel.” “Like I said before, there’s huge competition for places in the starting fteen, and all the girls are determined to give everything to get back to another nal in Croke Park, and hopefully see Meighan (Farrell) climb the steps to lift the O’Du y cup.”

As defending All –Ireland champions, Phelan is in no doubt that each opposition team raises their game when they play the cats. “For sure, we would have done the same in previous years, you always want to test yourself against the best, the champions and see where you’re at.” “ is year we are in a di erent position, teams are throwing the kitchen sink at us and pushing us to the wire in every game we play, but that’s the pressure that comes with being All-Ireland champions, and to be fair it’s the position you’d rather be in.”

On the more recent additions to the Kilkenny panel, Phelan is full of admiration and praise for their contributions to the squad in general. “When you look at the likes of Katie (Nolan), Mary (O’Connell) and Michelle (Teehan), it’s like the shackles are o , they play with absolutely no fear, they are buzzing around the place in training, bringing huge energy, which drives the rest of us on in each session or match, because we know that no one’s place is safe in the team.”

When looking back on last year’s magni cent achievement, Phelan speaks glowingly about the ‘split season’ and now believes that this is the format that the camogie calendar should look to implement going forward. “It was really great last year, you got to have the time with the club, before getting stuck in with the county.” “It’s hard to be at the pitch every night of the week, it gets harder to bring the same energy, as we all need some down-time due to our personal lives or our jobs and that, so last season was it was great to get the summer with the club, then onto the winter with the county, and to be honest, I think most of the girls felt the same.” e Lisdowney club is synonymous with camogie – many legends have represented both club and county, and Phelan is proud to continue that proud tradition. With Lockdown restrictions easing, the news that a large number of supporters will be in attendance going forward, is welcomed be the player, as December’s title win at headquarters was a somewhat di erent occasion.

“Winning the nal last year was a little di erent in terms of the post-match experience, as we had no family there to celebrate with.” “However, in a strange way it allowed the team to be together and re ect on a fantastic achievement in that unforgettable moment.” Phelan beams with pride and emotion when discussing that night in December. “We all want to get back to Croke Park, and have our families and loved one’s there – they deserve the day out too, they’re the ones that sacri ce so much to help us all reach these moments, getting us to training and matches all over the country, and the atmosphere it adds is incredible, as you saw recently when our hurlers played.”

As our chat draws to a close, I sense that Phelan is focused and determined to help Kilkenny defend their title. “Our thoughts are purely on Wexford and the challenge they’ll bring, if we get over that, we can then look ahead to the next one.”

Next stop, Cork.

Player Name: Claire Phelan Club: Lisdowney Position: Half Back ‘Look Who’s Talking’ Sporting highlight so far: There have been a few but the most recent 2020 All Ireland was very special, and probably one of the biggest sporting highlights for me. If you could only listen to 1 singer or band for the rest of your life, who would you choose? Very tough one, I like my music but I’d probably go for Coldplay.

Pet hate: Tuna, it turns my stomach.

Best Holiday Destination done & to do: Did the West Coast of America a few years ago, saw some amazing places. Yosemite was probably the highlight of the trip. Would love to get to see some of Australia or New Zealand some day. Sporting Idol & why: Lots of people to choose from but Katie Taylor is definitely up there, she has achieved so much in her sport. If you had to describe yourself in 3 words: I’m sure my teammates would answer this better than me. Party of 6 You are allowed to invite 6 famous people for dinner.....name the 6 chosen guests & reasons for inviting! • 6 famous people for dinner, a quick and easy one. The cast of FRIENDS, would love to have sat in on the reunion! Team mates! • Best trainer - Grace Walsh• Worst trainer - ? • Queen of style - Davina Tobin• Best Taste in music - Colette Dormer • Worst taste in music - Katie Power• Most di icult opponent - Denise Gaule

Sport

Pictured (L-R): Linda Collins (Cork), Amy Cardi (Wexford), Niamh Hanni y (Galway), Hilda Breslin, Camogie Association President, Meighan Farrell (Kilkenny), Niamh Rockett (Waterford) and Cait Devane (Tipperary).

Camogie Association proudly supporting ISPCC Childline for 2021 All-Ireland Championships

e Camogie Association are delighted to announce they are proudly supporting ISPCC Childline, through the nal stages of the 2021 All Ireland Senior, Intermediate and Premier Junior Championships

THE Camogie Association are delighted to announce they are proudly supporting ISPCC Childline, through the nal stages of the 2021 All Ireland Senior, Intermediate and Premier Junior Championships.

Childline, Ireland’s 24-hour active listening service for all of those aged up to and including 18, is always there to listen to and support any child or young person around any issue which might be on their mind. e service has remained available every day and night since Covid-19 restrictions were rst introduced in the country. It continues to receive up to 800 online contacts, texts and calls every day and night from children and young people who reach out for support in relation to topics including school, friendships, loneliness, mental health di culties and more.

In partnering with Childline, the Camogie Association is highlighting supports available to children and young people across Ireland and the positive impact that involvement in sport can have on an individual’s wellbeing.

Speaking at the o cial announcement of this partnership, Uachtarán of the Camogie Association Hilda Breslin said “I am delighted that the Camogie Association is supporting ISPCC Childline. As a volunteer community-based organisation, active in units across the island the Camogie Association plays a vital role in supporting young people.

We are particularly conscious that the COVID pandemic has had impact on all of us but in particular for children and young adults across our communities. As a volunteer community-based association we are conscious of the need to support each other and in this regard working in partnership with ISPCC Childline will provide us with an opportunity to support their vital reach out into our communities. We all have a responsibility to help equip young people with the tools to help them face challenges not just on the sporting eld but in life and to make a positive di erence in the lives of young people. Working together #WeMakeADi erence

Our players are role models on the eld but they also play a positive role in the example they provide to young people in life. Young girls need positive visible role models and the knockout stages of our exciting All Ireland Championship provides us with the platform to re-enforce the positive aspect of sport on wellbeing and also in building support for individuals within a safe and supportive environment. Our Senior Championship knock-out stages live across RTE, in conjunction with our streaming of other grades culminating in our All-Ireland Championship nals in Croke Park on the 12th of September provide us with this great opportunity.

We are delighted to promote and support the vital work ISPCC Childline does to support our young people, providing a much-needed service to children and young people across all sectors of Irish society”.

ISPCC Childline Chief Executive John Church said: “ISPCC Childline is delighted to have the support of the Camogie Association through the nal stages of this year’s All Ireland Camogie Championships. Children and young people have experienced huge upheaval in their lives over the past 16 months, with restrictions meaning they were cut o from school, extended family members and friends and the sport and activities which can bring them great joy and stability. ey will continue to face challenges as Ireland recovers and rebuilds over the months and years ahead. We are very grateful to the Camogie Association for letting them know they don’t have to go it alone.

“Camogie players pursuing their sport at the highest levels, as well as their mentors, can be important role models to children and young people and can lead by example by demonstrating the bene ts of being active and of utilising support available. Childline is always there to listen. Any child or young person can reach out to us at any time, online, by text or by phone and we will be there to listen to them, support them and to help to strengthen their resilience – so they can cope with any challenge that comes their way.” is exciting announcement comes just ahead of the quarter- nal stages of the AllIreland Senior Championship which will see Kilkenny take on Wexford and Tipperary face Waterford in what promises to be a thrilling double-header, broadcast live on RTÉ, from Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Saturday 21st August. e All-Ireland nals for Senior, Intermediate and Junior Championship are scheduled for Sunday 12th September in Croke Park.

Pictured at the Launch Of The 2021 Camogie Association Knockout Stages Of the All-Ireland Camogie Championships With Charity Partner ISPCC Childline Meighan Farrell (Kilkenny) and Amy Cardi (Wexford).

Golf

NOTES

CASTLECOMER GOLF CLUB

Q Health Pharmacy (formally known as Quirke’s Pharmacy) has been in existence on Kilkenny Street, Castlecomer since 1995. February 2019 saw it move up to the street to its present location just at the corner of the square in what was used to be known locally as Hahessy’s drapery. Lady Captain Patricia, Lady VC Helen, Committee Members and our ladies would like to thank Q Health for generously sponsoring last week’s competition which was played over a three-day period. We would urge all members to support this local enterprise. Everyone was eager to enter the event. Once again, the players found the course in immaculate condition. Many thanksto our ground staff and volunteer group. Results: Freida Campion 41 pts LC Patricia Brennan 40 pts Delia O’ Donohoe 37 pts Our All-Ireland Women’s Fourball and Cullen Cup panels are looking forward to the next round of their respective competitions. Congratulationsto Mary Brophy and Jo Costigan who paired together and secured third place in the Team of Two held recently in Gowran GC.

Presentation of Prizes for Open Week was held Tuesday August 10 while adhering to guidelines. Lady Captain Patricia was present to congratulate those who featured in The Festival of Golf.

Best wishes to Mr. Captain John Lacey for an enjoyable Captain’s Prize Event. The final round will be played on Saturday August 21. The ladies raised €210 for NCBI. Thanksto those who participated in The Granard Cup Qualifier. Friday 13 August Scramble Results: 17 net Clodagh O’ Reilly Helen Hennessy Catherine Campion Marty O’ Shea 17 1/8 net Daniel O’ Donnell Regina Butler Dara McGrath Paudie Mulhall

CALLAN GOLF LADIES The Annual Emerald Trophy Competitionwas held on

John Lacey (Captain) Michael O Neill, Seamus Coogan, Pat Murtagh, Murty Coonan, Eamon Holohan, Patricia Brennan (Lady Captain)

Tuesday August 10th and with the course in great condition it lent to good scoring on the day. Noeleen Quinlan emerged as the winner with 65pts 2nd Anne Croke 70pts 3rd Jean Grace 71pts 4th Ann Wemyss 72pts 9 Hole S/F 1st Mary O’Shea 23pts 2nd Margaret O’Shea 19pts Senior Ladies Thurs 12th August 12 Hole Comp Results: 1st Mary Manning 28pts 2nd Ann Needham 27pts 3rd Marie O’Riordan 27pts c/b 4th Helen Tuite 27pts 5th Betty McGrath 26pts CALLAN GOLF MENS Great news for Callan Golf Club as the locally based O Dwyer Golf have agreed to extend their Sponsorship of the O’ Dwyer’s Men’s open Singles each Wednesday. This Wednesday Open Singles Competition has been very popular for our members and the many visitors. Booking is available on the club Web site www. callangolfclub.net

Wednesday 4th August Overall Winner Jim Wellwood (13) 39 pts Division 1 Jimmy Dunne (13) 34 pts Back 9 Gross Ross Holden (1) 33 pts Division 2 Tommy Kilbane (25) 39 pts Sunday 8th August Men’s Single Stableford Overall Gerry Doyle (23) 44 pts Div. 1 Darren Comerford (7) 38 pts Gross Ross Holden (1) 35 pts Back nine Div. 2 Derek Hally (29) 42 pts

Wednesday 11th August Overall Jeff Lynch (2) 42 pts Division 1 Thomas Leahy (8) 41 pts Gross Ross Holden (1) 34 pts Division 2 Thomas Grinsell (17) 42 pts Top of the bunch with 42 points was Jeff Lynch which was 4 under par GROSS which included 5 birdies on the back 9. Sunday 15th August Men’s Single Stableford Overall Cyril Lawlor (15) 44 pts Division 1 Gordon Peppard (13) 41 pts Gross Billy Walsh (5) 36 pts 31 gross Division 2 Michael Kavanagh (23) 39 pts

Lotto Results Thursday 12th August overall No Winner Numbers drawn 8,9 and 6 Match 2 Brian Hennessy, Paddy Holohan, Eddie Cunningham, John Kinchella, Cathal O’ Reilly Sandra Moore, Mick Halpin Each receiving €30 We thank our Committee, the sellers and the players for their continued support. Covid 19 Reminder Callan like so many golf clubs has been fortunate to see a large number of new members with the increased participation in outdoor sporting activities. Golf remains a relatively safe activity and we welcome our new and existing members to the club to partake in this sporting and social activities in a safe environment. A gentle reminder to all to adhere to the current protocols and if you are feeling unwell we ask you to please stay at home and take the necessary advice from your doctor and adhere to the guidelines provided to keep yourself and fellow players and staff safe.

Low back pain or shoulder pain when golfing?

EOIN EVERARD

Make sure you are moving in the right places.

Low back pain is a very common complaint I see with both golfers, tennis players and hurlers who come to my clinic. e reason? ey all need a lot of rotation. Especially for a golfer where they try to go to the end range of motion in order to generate all the force required to hit the ball as far as possible. However, in a lot of the cases they are getting the rotation in the wrong part of the back. e thoracic spine (Upper back) is often a neglected section of twelve vertebrae stuck between the much more talked about lumbar spine (lower back) and the forever-painful cervical spine (neck). By de nition, the thoracic spine is the twelve vertebrae that connect with the rib cage and is located between the lumbar spine and the cervical spine. Because we rarely get thoracic pain we tend to overlook this critical area. Neck and low back pain are rampant so the thoracic spine is often completely overlooked. Unfortunately, a big key to avoiding both lower back pain and neck pain may lie in the movement of your thoracic spine.

In the simplest terms, the body does what is easy, not

what is best. As we age the thoracic spine (Upper back) sti ens. As a result we tend to turn the head at the neck (cervical spine) or rotate at the lower back (lumbar spine). A mobile thoracic spine can help to avoid or relieve both low back and neck pain by allowing rotation in this key area.

For years we have been warming up the wrong area with the wrong exercises. Lots of “experts” recommended exercises like hip crossovers and scorpions to “warm-up” the low back. However, looking at the research behind these exercises and the great work of Dr. Shirley Sahrmann, I recommended that athletes, particularly golfers, avoid most exercises that rotate the lower back and instead focus on developing motion at the hips and thoracic spine. e truth is that good motion in golf comes from turning the hips and the shoulders not from rotating the lumbar spine. erefore, a way to get good hip motion and good shoulder turn is to focus on the hips and thoracic spine, not the low back. Bottom line, bad golfers turn at the low back. Good golfers, who stay injury free turn at the hips and shoulders.

Mobility at the thoracic spine is actually simpler to develop than you think. It doesn’t even involve rotation. What you are going to do to mobilize the thoracic spine is to perform a series of simple crunch type exercises while lying on a foam roller or two tennis balls taped together with masking tape or. It’s a simple exercise that you can do at the gym or even in front of the TV. Lie on your back with a foam roller placed in the middle of your back. Your feet and buttocks should be on the ground, with your hands placed behind your head. From the starting position, slowly extend the upper back. DO NOT extend the low back; it may help to think of “bracing” the stomach to ensure that the movement comes from the upper back.

Slowly work the roller up and down the back, repeating the extension at the various spinal levels. Hopefully this will help with any back pain or shoulder pain you have.