Camross eye strong start as Dwane Palmer targets return to the summit
They have 27 Bob O'Keefe Cups to their name
Camross begin their 2025 Laois Shopping Centre Senior Hurling Championship campaign this weekend with a group stage showdown against Portlaoise, and the drive to reclaim county glory is as strong as ever in the most decorated hurling club in Laois.
With 27 Bob O’Keefe Cups in their proud history, expectations remain high in the black and amber camp. For experienced player Dwane Palmer, that pressure comes with the territory.
“The expectation is that we’re trying to win the County Final every year really. It's not up and down every year; we're expected to be there every year. If we're not, it’s a disappointment, so hopefully we'll be there again,” he said.
Camross reached the semi-final stage last year, only to fall to eventual champions Clough-Ballacolla. While that defeat still stings, Palmer insists it has only sharpened their hunger heading into the new season.
“It definitely would. We were kind of unfortunate in the swings and roundabouts of last year, one or two injuries coming into a semi-final, Mark Dowling, that was a big loss. So simple things probably didn't go our way, but we were unlucky to go out in the semi-final. We're raring to go again this year to try and get back to where we need to be,” he said.
Their preparations received a timely boost last week when they defeated Rathdowney-Errill in the Leinster League final on Tuesday, July 1, a result that should serve as ideal preparation for David Cuddy’s side ahead of the county championship throw-in.
Like many clubs across the county, Camross have had to navigate the season without their Laois players for long stretches. With key figures like Mossy Keyes now available again, Palmer is hopeful their return will be the boost they need at just the right time.
“The boys are only back maybe a week or two there now, and we haven't had a settled team nearly most of the year, so it's nice to get them back now for the next two or three weeks and really push on now for the first-round championship,” he said.
And with preparations ramping up and the squad starting to take shape, Palmer believes they are in a strong position ahead of their opening test.
“Preparations are flying, we're going well. Just as I said, a settled team now, trying to get our heads down now and get the work done and see how it goes in the first round,” he ended.
They'll face Portlaoise on Sunday, July 13 in Laois Hire O'Moore Park from 2.30pm.