'Ducks wouldn't have played in it' - Sarsfields' Laura Ward on that semi-final against Slaughtneil

The decision to reschedule the AIB All-Ireland camogie club semi-final between Sarsfields and Slaughtneil to the Naomh Éanna ground in Gorey did raise eyebrows.

Given the long distances that both semi-finalists then had to travel, particularly the trek involved for Slaughtneil, the choice of venue was surprising. The Derry champions had to stay overnight in Bray as part of their preparation.

The match itself was played in horrendous conditions, with a squally showers and a gusty wind testing the resolve of the players. Sarsfields manager Michael 'Hopper' McGrath, in speaking to RTÉ Sport after the game, said: "If right was right, the match shouldn't have been played at all, but with the two teams coming so far I suppose it had to be played. The pitch cut up out there, it was dog eat dog. You had two good camogie teams out there but neither could show their real camogie skills. It was just a battle."

In the end the battle was won by the Galway side, edging home by the bare minimum after extra-time. The victory set up another All-Ireland final date with Wexford's Oulart-The Ballagh, 11 weeks on from when the sides met in the 2020 decider, with the Wexford champions coming out on top by five points.

Whether Sarsfields being pushed all the way a fortnight ago in testing conditions will serve them better against an Oulart outfit who had it all too easy against Scariff Ogonolloe, well that remains to be seen.

For defender Laura Ward, playing in such difficult conditions in Gorey was something that she and her Sarsfields colleagues will not forget.

Speaking to the media ahead of next Sunday's showdown at Croke Park, she said: "Out of all the games I've ever played in it would have to be the worst conditions ever. The ball was landing