There is no time for these teams to feel their way into the championship as in a group that includes Cork, Tipperary and Limerick, this looks like being a crucial fixture with regard to determining one of the three qualification berths to the knockout stages.

There has rarely been much between the teams and in the league, a couple of goals gave the Banner a one-point victory in Enniscorthy. That got them to the Division 1B final which they lost to Antrim, after a very competitive hour. Wexford actually scored more and conceded less than Clare through the group stages of the league. They also reached the Leinster final last weekend, where Kilkenny were too strong, and must put that to bed quickly. This is an impossible game to call.

Limerick have shown improved form this year, achieving mid-table status in the second tier of the league with wins over Westmeath and Down. They were unable to overcome Wexford and Clare, who they will renew rivalries with in the coming weeks. Cork, as Division 1A champions and the team now attempting to secure a championship three-in-a-row, are camogie’s standard bearers. Anything other than a home victory would be a huge surprise.

Derry secured their senior status quite comfortably 12 months ago and that will be their target once again in 2025. They will need to defend better than in the Division 2 league final, when they conceded four goals and could have shipped more. They were missing half last year’s team, however, and some of those will return against the Cats.

Starting at home is a boost against a Kilkenny side making gradual improvements under new manager Tommy Shefflin. The Stripeywomen were easy winners of the Leinster final last weekend against Wexford and will be hotly fancied to make the long trek back home with the three points tucked under their belts.

Referee: Liz Dempsey (Kilkenny)
This is an intriguing affair as Dublin have consistently pushed Galway to the wire in recent seasons. There was six points between them in Kilbeacanty last March but after starting with a draw against Tipperary, the Dubs failed to secure another positive result and were relegated from Division 1A of the League.

Galway beat Cork in the final group game to book their place in the decider but never showed up, with the Rebels exacting swift and severe retribution with the silverware on the line. The lack of provincial games for the westerners has often led to a slow championship start for the Tribeswomen so Dublin will look to rattle them early but last year’s All-Ireland finalists will be favoured to prevail.