Camogie previews: Ulster sides aiming to secure knock-out spots

ALL-IRELAND CAMOGIE CHAMPIONSHIP

INTERMEDIATE GROUP TWO

Antrim v Kildare

Saturday, TBC

ANTRIM almost certainly need to beat Kildare and hope that the result in the Cork and Kilkenny game goes their way.

If they win, any Cork win would see them reach the quarter-finals. A big Antrim win and they could even finish top if Kilkenny get the better of Cork, but that is unlikely. Even a loss might save them, but they would basically need Cork to trounce the Cats.

That’s unlikely though because Kildare will have little chance of living with last year’s All-Ireland Intermediate finalists.

That’s despite the Saffrons falling to a 2-14 to 2-11 loss to Cork down in Munster last weekend.

The damage was done in the first quarter as they went in for water trailing by nine points.

They did fight back well and two goals from Róisín McCormick, the second very late on, did bring them to within striking distance, but they were unable to close the gap completely.

Niamh Donnelly and Colleen Patterson did well when introduced early on, and they may be in line for a start here as the Ulster side attempt to keep their season alive.

The Group Two wooden spoon is heading to Kildare regardless of what happens this weekend. The Lilywhites lost to Cork by 10 points before Kilkenny vastly increased that winning margin to win by 30 points last weekend.

Antrim will get the win, and all being well they should be heading to at least the quarter-finals.

Verdict: Antrim

ALL-IRELAND CAMOGIE INTERMEDIATE CHAMPIONSHIP GROUP THREE

Derry v Tipperary

Saturday, Owenbeg, 5pm

THE Derry camogs have already booked their place in the quarter-finals – so they’ll be aiming for the win here that may take them straight to the last four.

Only two of three group winners go straight through to the semi-finals, so the Oak Leaf county will want to keep the heat on against Tipperary to keep that possibility open.

Trips to Laois and Kerry have offered little hassle for Ciaran Cunningham’s side, and they seem to be back on track having lost some of their Swatragh contingent earlier in the season.

They hit 2-17 down in the Kingdom last week as they dominated from start to finish, even if took until midway through the second half for that to show on the scoreboard.

Aine McAllister’s free-taking was excellent as always and she added two points from play to the seven placed balls she converted. Aoife Shaw and Dervla O’Kane grabbed their goals. Shaw also rattled the net in the win against Laois.

Tipperary sit on zero points but they have been competitive in their two games. Kerry had a goal to spare against them while Laois beat them by five points last time out. Derry should have too much, especially on home soil.

Verdict: Derry

ALL-IRELAND CAMOGIE PREMIER JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP GROUP ONE

Wexford v Armagh

Sunday, TBC

THESE two sides have developed quite the rivalry in recent times, and it’s Wexford who have held the advantage this season.

In their first league meeting, Wexford left Ballycrummy with a narrow win and followed it up with a two-point win in the Division Three decider.

So, it’s a case of hoping for third time lucky for Mattie Lennon’s side and they go into the game on the back of a comfortable win over Waterford after a close first half.

Nikki Woods and Grainne McWilliams were composed in defence, while Shelly McArdle and Leanne Donnelly provided a great platform from midfield. Emma Mone’s save at the end of the first half was also crucial, as were the scoring exploits of Ciara Donnelly (1-4) and Eimear Smyth (1-1).

Wexford have a win over Waterford under their belts as they travelled to Walsh Park last week and won by 1-12 to 2-4 – but it wasn’t plain sailing.

They conceded a goal after just 47 seconds as a free from distance was missed by the goalkeeper, but they responded well to score the next eight points with Waterford not raising another flag until the second half.

However, that started a rocky spell, with Waterford hitting another goal to lead at the end of the third quarter but a late 1-2 saved the day for the Model county.

Verdict: Wexford

ALL-IRELAND CAMOGIE PREMIER JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP GROUP THREE

Cavan v Down

Saturday, Kingspan Breffni, 2pm

THE winner of this Ulster derby will advance to the quarter-finals so there is a lot on the line here.

Both have already lost to Limerick in the group stage – Cavan by seven points and Down by 10 points – and there is unlikely to be too much between them.

Down played Limerick in Ballyholland last weekend and showed plenty of fight, with new recruit Francis Toner making a good impression. East Belfast also had a day to remember as Jessica Rushe became the first intercounty camog from the club.

Cavan actually only trailed Limerick by two points at half time in their encounter – 0-6 to 1-5 – but the Munster side pushed on after the break.

The Breffni county are making big strides forward, and they should secure their spot in the knockout stages.

Verdict: Cavan

NANCY MURRAY CUP GROUP ONE

Tyrone v Donegal

TBC

TYRONE’S clash with Mayo last week was postponed and with no word of a refixture, it remains to be seen what will happen.

The Red Hands have yet to play then in the championship but Donegal have match under their belt, a 7-27 to 1-1 trashing at the hands of Mayo.

Of course, for now it’s just about getting a Tir Chonaill senior team back onto the pitch and results are pretty much immaterial. The Cavan hurlers can provide inspiration.

Claire McDermott, PJ O’Brien, Mike McGrath, Joanne McKinney and Caitriona Sweeney are in charge of the side, and they’ll be looking for more valuable minutes against Tyrone.

Verdict: Tyrone