Cork take on Monaghan this Sunday

Cork take on Monaghan on Sunday.

Cork minors once again make the long journey to Banagher in Offaly on Sunday to defend their All-Ireland title won so impressively against Dublin last year. Cork who have  had stirring battles with Galway and Dublin during the past couple of seasons will be travelling into unknown territory in taking up the challenge of Monaghan and while Monaghan may not be the force they were in  the past, nevertheless their challenge must be taken seriously.

Cork have been out of action since their resounding Munster final  win against Kerry in April when they scored a comprehensive victory of 9-9 to 1-11. Since then there has been a long break due to exams but the girls have been training very well and hopefully they will be on top shape for Sunday’s challenge which commences at 1.30pm.  Cork will be still able to call on the services of a number  of last years panel although a doubt exists over the availability of Senior players Ciara O’Sullivan and Rhona Buckley as well as Aoife Scally all recovering from injury.

The Valley Rovers pair of Ann O’Donovan and Sile Johnson are playing great football while Grace Kearney and Claire Keohane have great experience in attack Emma Forde Mourneabbey’s, reliable goalkeeper, in their  All-Ireland Intermediate win and keeper for St Marys Mallow Senior schools All-Ireland winning team will be a very reliable last line of defence. Hopefully Cork will be back tot their best after the long break and if they are they should be too strong for Monaghan