Look ahead to the weekend’s main action

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DEFENDING champions Kilkenny and Clare provide the opposition on Saturday for the All Ireland minor camogie championship final in Semple Stadium. This high profile clash which was brought forward 24 hours to give Clare coach Davy Fitzgerald an opportunity to be with his team, and also to avoid a clash with Kilkenny’s senior hurling championship tie, is a repeat of last season’s decider.

The Banner County were impressive when edging past Cork in the semi-final a couple of weeks ago, but Fintan McNamara and his management will be under no illusion as to the huge task that lies ahead. Kilkenny seem to uncover new names every year and the fact that they are seeking a massive four-in-a-row All Ireland titles speaks volume for their underage structure.

They have wonderfully talented players – none more that seniors star Denise Gaule who scored a hefty 3-7 in their recent defeat of Tipperary and skipper Alison Walsh. Another good omen is that joint-managers Brendan Williams and Ted Browne have been involved in all three previous victories. Browne’s sister-in-law Ann Downey has brought the Cats to the senior semi-final next week.

Clare, too, are not without their firepower. They will not want to lose to the same opposition again. They go into this decider on the back of an impressive work-rate against Cork. Niamh Corry at centre forward caused lots of problems while Chloe Morey, Carol Kaiser, Captain R¾isÝn McMahon and Shonagh Enright will feature.

In fact, there could be double honours in three households in Clare after the weekend. Following Clare’s first Munster U21 hurling title last week, the Morey, Glynn and Duggan houses will be hoping to add camogie to hurling medals. Chloe and Caimin Morey, Christina and Eamon Glynn and Orlaith and Cillian Duggan are the players in question.

Meanwhile, the Gala All Ireland junior semi-finals (New Ireland Cup) are also down for decision on Saturday in Nowlan Park and with a day out in Croke Park in September as the prize, these encounters will make for appetizing fare.

Waterford take on Laois, while last year’s beaten finalists Offaly – managed again this season by former hurler Joachim Kelly – come up against provincials rivals Meath. All four counties here are hoping for a historic first All Ireland title next month, as a result confidence will be high that the Holy Grail can be reached.

The penultimate rounds will also be settled this weekend in the All Ireland junior championship (Nancy Murray Cup). Kildare meet Roscommon in Clonkill while Casement Park will house the all-northern clash of Tyrone and Armagh.

Laois are involved on the double this weekend. They also take part in the Minor C final against Carlow on Sunday afternoon.

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