By DARREN KELLY

AFTER negotiating some tough hurdles to secure a sixth successive county senior crown, Sarsfields prepare for an All-Ireland camogie semi-final against Antrim’s Loughgiel Shamrocks on Sunday (Breffni Park, Cavan, 2pm).

It’s a repeat of the 2022 final, the last of the east Galway team’s three All-Ireland successes. Siobhán McGrath’s goal after just 33 seconds set the tone while Rachel Murray also raised a green flag in a 2-14 to 1-14 victory in Croke Park.

Before hopefully taking their place on the grandest stage again, Sarsfields do have a very unique record to defend.  This is their eighth All-Ireland semi-final with a 100% record and they are seeking an eighth All-Ireland final appearance.

But that statistic is under threat from a Loughgiel Shamrocks side that are inching closer to the Holy Grail. They led eventual champions Dicksboro by five points in last year’s semi-final before a second half collapse saw them fall by six.

This season they began with a draw (2-15 to 3-12) against Cushendall before accounting for MacUilin (2-18 to 2-13).  Their third group victory came at the expense of Dunloy (6-10 to 0-8) before being handed a walkover from Con Magees.

It was a different story in their final rematch with Dunloy as they just got through 3-11 to 2-9.  But in Ulster, they proved unstoppable, scoring nine goals in two outings – Down’s Clonduff (6-13 to 1-14) was followed by dismantling new Derry champions Swatragh (3-16 to 0-5).

Their firepower is led by full forward Roisin McCormick (4-19 in their last three games) while Caitrin Dobbin (3-3) was on the 2023 team of the year. Annie Lynn (2-4), Lucia McNaughton (1-5) and Christine McCloskey (0-4) are others to watch.

Katie McKillop (1-2) is partnered in midfield by Amy Boyle; Emma McFadden, Katie Lynn and keeper Eimear Boyle form a strong spine; Claire McKillop, Finvola McVeigh, Megan McGarry and Shauna Doran are outside them.

Ciara Laverty started the Ulster final at corner forward while Maria O’Hara, Anna Connolly, Anna McKillop, Shauna Deery, Orlagh Laverty are others who could be involved. Loughgiel Shamrocks will start at least 10 of the 2022 All-Ireland Final team.

For Sarsfields, they’ll be considered favourites with Dicksboro, Slaughtneil and Oulart The Ballagh eliminated.  Despite a tough opening quarter as well as conceding an Amy Caulfield goal, they took control to retain the Catherine Donnellan Cup in October.

Pictured: Kate Gallagher of Sarsfields in action against Dicksboro’s Jenny Clifford of Dicksboro during last year’s All-Ireland Club Senior Camogie Final. The Galway champions face Loughgiel Shamrocks in Sunday’s semi-final.