Camogie previews: Down out to avoid relegation play-offs

All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship Group Two

Down v Dublin

Saturday, Páirc Esler, 5pm

A DRAW will be good enough for Down to avoid a relegation play-off and they have shown enough over the first two games that they are capable of getting it.

Derek Dunne’s side were desperately unlucky to leave Waterford without two points, never mind one, in their first outing and they followed it up with a good showing against heavyweights Cork.

The Rebelettes were generally comfortable in the 1-13 to 0-10 win in Newry, but Down were operating without two of their star players, Paula O’Hagan and Sara Louise Graffin.

If they show the same heart, and if that experienced duo returns, they have every chance of getting the required result. Sorcha McCartan and Deirbhile Savage, who swept for periods against Cork, are two players in great form that will need to produce the goods once more.

Dublin have struggled thus far. They were well beaten against Cork in round one and while they started well against Waterford, they fell to pieces and lost out by 14 points.

All-Ireland Intermediate Camogie Championship Group Two

Cork v Antrim

Saturday, Cork Camogie Grounds, 1pm

ANTRIM started their championship campaign in the best possible last week as they defeated Kilkenny 2-13 to 1-12 in Dunloy.

It wasn’t a flawless performance by any stretch of the imagination with their shooting well below the required standard, but the Saffrons were hit with four withdrawals from the panel beforehand due to Covid, so there was a lot to be happy with for the management.

Katie Carey was the hero as her late goal proved decisive. Róisín McCormick had grabbed the first goal with the impressive Cáitrín Dobbin claiming an assist for both majors.

Cork started their Intermediate Championship campaign with a comfortable 1-14 to 0-7 win over Kildare.

Attacking trio Aoife Hurley, Kate Wall – who got their goal – and Rachel O’Shea did the damage, and are the players Antrim must watch.

All-Ireland Intermediate Camogie Championship Group Three

Kerry v Derry

Saturday, Lixnaw, 2pm

BOTH these sides have a win under their belts already as Derry eased past Laois while Kerry had a goal to spare against Tipperary.

Early scores set the tone for the Oakleaf county against Laois as Aine McCallister, Sinead Mellon and Eimear McGuigan all landing settlers. Laois did come back well but once Aoife Shaw found the net, Derry looked comfortable.

They had 10 different scorers in the 1-19 to 0-10 win in Portlaoise, and that will give them real confidence heading to Lixnaw.

Kerry defeated Tipperary 1-11 to 0-11. Niamh Leen was majestic at full-back while Jackie Horgan got their goal.

All-Ireland Premier Junior Championship Group Three

Down v Limerick

Saturday, Páirc Esler, 7.30pm

DOWN’S second string start their Premier Junior campaign with a tricky looking tie in Newry. Limerick eased past Cavan in the first group match, and the Breffni side are a team on the rise.

Down lost both National League games this year, and a relegation final to Waterford, and another defeat looks on the cards here.

Nancy Murray Cup Group One

Mayo v Tyrone

Saturday, Tooreen, 5pm

TYRONE made it to the Division Four semi-finals and gave Roscommon a good rattle, and they’ll hope to do likewise here.

Mayo put 7-27 past Donegal last time out so they evidently have some attacking talent, but this game should be much closer.

Nancy Murray Cup Group One

Monaghan v Wicklow

Saturday, TBC

MONAGHAN gave Louth a walk-over in their first fixture, and we wait to see if they will field here.

This will be Wicklow’s first game in this season’s competition, and potentially it will be their fourth game against Ulster opposition.

They were trounced by Cavan but showed improvement against both Tyrone and Antrim.