Galway are back in the frame

Camogie/Senior championship launch: As the sun came out yesterday a host of camogie stars flocked to Croke Park. Representatives from all seven teams in the All-Ireland series, which starts on July 2nd, travelled to Dublin for the annual photocall beside the giant U2 stage that has enveloped Hill 16 in recent days.

The presence of some famous hurling fathers added spice to the afternoon. All-Ireland winner Pa Dillon of Kilkenny joined his daughter Gillian; another All-Ireland winner, Mick Jacob of Wexford, accompanied his daughter Ursula; proud family traditions being maintained. Mick Jacob was upbeat about his next visit to Croke Park, on Sunday week, when his sons Rory and Michael will seek a second successive Leinster title against the mighty Kilkenny.

Niamh Cunningham of Antrim arrived with her intercounty father, Ger. Amanda O'Regan of Cork brought along her intercounty dad, Mick. Len Gaynor accompanied his sibling, Ciara, who is seeking a sixth title in seven years with Tipperary.

But the rise of Galway has been the story so far this year. What really makes them special is that their new manager, Sharon Glynn, was a member of the only All-Ireland-winning Galway team, in 1996. Glynn and Antrim manager Catherine O'Hara are the only women running top teams.

"It's probably unusual to see a lady manager at this level," said Galway player Ailbhe Kelly. "Sharon knows what you have to go through to win an All-Ireland. She has won numerous All-Irelands with her club as well and of course all of us look up to her because she has been such a great player down through the years."

Galway kick-start the competition on Saturday week in Cork and on the same day Tipperary meet Antrim, at Semple Stadium, as hot favourites to retain the All-Ireland.

However, Tipperary's new manager, Paddy McCormack, and captain Deirdre Hughes refused to rule out any team.

"For camogie in general it's great," said McCormack. "Wexford signalled their intention last year and no doubt they are going to make a big push this time. Cork are always going to be there. Galway had an impressive National League when they beat us all. So they are back."

Kilkenny, Antrim and Limerick also got honourable mentions.

"I dabble in a little bit of greyhounds and everyone can be favourite before you go into the box. But once in, suddenly the bookies take down their prices, don't they? Because everyone has a chance. Everyone is a danger," said McCormack.

Still, Hughes leads an excellent team that must be overcome before any pretender can become champion. More important, opponents must curb her goalscoring flair.

"I suppose you are always under a bit of pressure but I think at the end of the day it is a 25 to 30-girl effort . . . I won't be under that much pressure. I suppose I'll live with it," she said.

Group A contains Antrim, Tipperary, Limerick and Kilkenny. The more daunting, three-team Group B contains Cork, Galway and Wexford. The top two in each group progress to the semi-finals on August 28th, with the final to follow at Croke Park on September 18th.