By Niall Gartland

DERRY camogie skipper Niamh Quinn cites their recent drawn encounter with Down as evidence of their capabilities as they prepare for a long trip to Kerry this weekend.

The Oak Leafers will head down on the eve of Saturday’s final-round contest in the group stages of the All-Ireland series in optimistic mood after earning a draw against Down.

A Carla Collins free deep in added time completed a fine comeback having trailed by 1-8 to 0-6 heading into the final quarter, and they’ll book their spot in the All-Ireland semi-finals if they upset the odds against the Kingdom and Antrim do them a favour against Down. Otherwise, they’ll participate in the quarter-finals.

But while there isn’t any real jeopardy this weekend, Derry would love to take the easier path to the latter stages of the competition and their captain Niamh Quinn believes it isn’t beyond them.

“The result against Down gave us something to strive for, potentially a top-two finish and a semi-final place.

“We’re in a good position and so we’re focusing on Kerry and getting a result there.”

It won’t be easy, however. Firstly, Kerry have home comforts, and secondly, when they met in the league, the Munster side ran out comfortable victors.

“They had their turn travelling last week when they came up to Antrim, I suppose. It is what it is.

“We’ll go down the night before, trying to finish up work a bit earlier on Friday. I think we’re staying in Limerick somewhere.

“We’ve met Kerry a few times over the years. They’re a brilliant side. There’ll be no naivety going into the game about what to expect.”

Part of the Derry backroom team this year is a former teammate of considerable renown, Aoife Ní Chaiside. She’s stepped behind the white lines this year and serves as the team’s female liaison officer. Quinn says it’s great that the Sleacht Néill star is still involved.

“Aoife is our female liaison officer. It’s good having her about; she’s been around county set-ups for years and knows the craic.

“Lining out beside Aoife is always an honour. I would love to be, but it’s brilliant having her in the backroom team. She’s so approachable.”

While Derry have a fair amount of newer recruits on the wider panel this year, they can still call upon a number of experienced heads who starred in their All-Ireland Intermediate Championship win just three years ago.

“We’ve Aoife Shaw back this year, she’d taken a break last year. Aine McGill, Rachel McAllister – we definitely have our experienced players there. I think it’s not always a bad thing having fresh legs into the team too. The younger girls have shown they’re more than capable this year; they’ve shown maturity when they play.”