Battle-hardened Camross eye return to the summit

FOR a club of Camross’s stature, county final day is familiar territory. Yet that familiarity brings its own pressure. Expectations are always high in the famous black and amber jersey, and next Sunday’s Senior Hurling Championship final presents another opportunity to add to one of the county’s proudest traditions.

Standing in their way are a rejuvenated Harps side, whose dramatic semi-final victory over Clough/Ballacolla has injected fresh excitement into the championship. The Durrow men will arrive carrying momentum and the belief that comes from ending the champions’ reign. But Camross will be quietly confident that their blend of experience, scoring power and championship know-how can bring the Bob O’Keeffe Cup back to the parish.

Camross have been among the most consistent teams in the county throughout the campaign. They topped their section of the championship with four victories from five games before accounting for Rosenallis by 2-16 to 2-11 in the semi-final.

The semi-final displayed many of the qualities that have made them so difficult to beat. Although Rosenallis enjoyed favourable conditions in the opening half and asked plenty of questions, Camross never appeared rattled. Darren Drennan’s first-half goal helped establish control before Tomas ‘Mossy’ Keyes struck after the restart to put them firmly in command.

As always, much of Camross’s hopes will rest on the influence of Keyes. One of the outstanding hurlers of his generation in Laois, his ability to win possession, create scores and lead from the front remains invaluable. Around him, Camross possess a group that has contested countless big championship matches and understands exactly what is required when silverware is on the line.

That experience could prove crucial. While The Harps deserve enormous credit for reaching their first county final since 1998, many of their players are entering uncharted waters. Camross, by contrast, have been operating at this level for years and know how to cope with the intensity and pressure that final day inevitably brings.

There is also a sense that Camross have unfinished business. Having watched Clough-Ballacolla dominate the championship landscape in recent seasons, they now have a golden opportunity to seize control of the county scene once more. Opportunities like this do not come around every year, and they will be determined to make the most of it.

The challenge will not be straightforward. The Harps have scoring threats throughout their attack, while Eoin Delaney’s hat-trick in the semi-final illustrated their capacity to hurt any defence. Camross will need to be disciplined, particularly around their own goal, and avoid allowing The Harps gain the confidence that drove them to their landmark victory over Clough/Ballacolla.

Nevertheless, if Camross can dictate the tempo, win their share of primary possession and secure sufficient ball into their forwards, they have every reason to believe they can emerge victorious.

County finals are rarely won on reputation alone, but Camross possess the pedigree, the personnel and the championship experience to feel that this could be their day.

After years of chasing, the opportunity to return to the top of Laois hurling is now just 60 minutes away.