Derry focused on on league final spot

DERRY’S hopes of reaching the Division Two league final will rest on Saturday’s visit of Meath.

The Oakleafers bounced back from defeat in Laois to win on the road last weekend against Westmeath, but captain Niamh Quinn knows what is coming down the tracks.

Saturday’s opponents had a double-scores victory over Laois on Saturday in Ashbourne.

“Meath had a big result at the weekend,” Quinn pointed out. “We are not going into it with any false ideas of what this game will be.

“Just because it’s a home fixture, it doesn’t mean it’s going to be any easier for us..

“We’ve met Meath plenty of times before, so it’ll be a tough game and that’s what we’re looking forward to.”

Derry had to come back from six points down to beat Carlow in the first game. They needed a fine save from goalkeeper Niamh Gribbin. It was the same on Saturday in victory over Westmeath.

“We had to win the match,” Quinn stressed. “It was a fantastic result and an away fixture is always a tough fixture, so winning was an even bigger achievement for us.”

Having made the trip to Laois, Derry had their timings and logistics all on point.

“We learned a lot from last week but, on the day, it was just our work-rate,” Quinn said.

“We’ve been in the league final for two years running now and that is the goal, really, to be back in the league final.

“It is something we set out to do at the start of the season. That’s why the Westmeath game was a must-win.

“We have to retain that ambition, to retain that goal. For the group, we’ve continued setting our sights on that league final and that’s the main thing at the minute.”

After this weekend, Derry will welcome league leaders Kerry in the final game of the campaign.

Derry are under new management this season with Micky Henry coming in as manager, having been part of their recent All-Ireland winning management team under PJ O’Mullan.

“The season’s been going great,” Quinn said of their progress so far, with some of the squad experiencing senior county camogie for the first time.

“Everybody seems to be really enjoying it. We’ve a committed a bunch of girls, which is the main thing.”