Maguire looking forward to Wexford test
Camogie
Coming into this season in Division 3, the Cavan senior camogie team could have been forgiven for aiming for consolidation but an opening day win over erstwhile bogey team Armagh showed them that anything was possible.
The Breffni ladies have followed that up with a string of impressive victories, culminating in a one-sided win over Dublin last time out, and head into the league final against Wexford this Sunday with significant momentum behind them.
“We got real belief after we beat Armagh in the first game a few weeks ago. They have been a tough game for us over the last few years so beating them really gave us the belief and thankfully since then we have won all of our league games since that and we’re into a well-deserved league final now,” explained joint-captain Josephine Maguire (pictured above with Aideen Coyle).
“We have got our game plan together and everyone seems to be gelling well as a team. We have experienced players and we have youth on our side so we’re all working well together. There are constantly people chomping at the bit and ready to take your spot if you’re not performing.
“With the new management team and backroom team driving us on, they are changing the team every week so nobody is comfortable in their spot. You have to just keep driving on so thankfully we’re getting the wins.
“Everyone is getting a chance and everyone is grabbing it, once you get on that team sheet nobody wants to come off it. All the clubs are well represented, we have girls from Crosserlough, Denn, Laragh, Drumgoon… That will also drive on other club players who want to get in on the squad and also want to drive on Cavan in the coming years.”
Under the management of Mullahoran clubman Philip 'the Gunner' Brady, Cavan have been in superb form and, says Ballinagh's Maguire, training has gone exceptionally well.
“It’s a dynamic, professional set-up. Philip has us on our toes but it’s calm. No two training sessions are the same. There’s good morale within the team as well and you just look forward to going to training. You’re practising your skills and improving every day, your fitness is getting better. It’s just really, really good and exciting and everyone is looking forward to the game at the weekend.
“We have games coming up all the time which keeps our focus as well.”
Midfielder Maguire is expecting a stern test against a very strong Wexford side on Sunday.
“Over our last number of games we’ve been racking up high scores and I’m sure they’ll drop one or two backs in front of our ‘Denn Destroyer’! But look, we’ll be able to handle it hopefully, all going well.
“We know they’re very skilful, they’re a well established team. They won the Premier Junior All-Ireland last year so we know the ability and the strength in depth they have in their squad.
“We will be going in fully focussed on them and looking forward to the challenge ahead.
“Hopefully, it’s a big day out and we’re hoping that our friends, families and all our clubmates will come down and support us. After winning Division 4 last year, we had a lot of support at that game and now we’re stepping up, we hope a lot will turn out again.”