By Daragh Ó Conchúir
The final round of the Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship’s group stages takes place tomorrow, with the Group 1 games throwing in at 3pm, Group 3 at 4.30pm and Group 2 at 6pm.
The draws to determine the two group winners to progress directly to the semi-finals, and the composition of the two quarter-finals will take place at UPMC Nowlan Park after the conclusion of the 6pm games.
SATURDAY, JULY 1ST
GLEN DIMPLEX ALL-IRELAND SENIOR CAMOGIE CHAMPIONSHIP GROUP 1
Clare v Cork, Cusack Park, 3pm
Referee: Liz Dempsey (Kilkenny)
Live on https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialCamogie/streams
While there is too much on the line for Clare to feel no tension, the fact remains that in terms of external expectation, all the pressure is on a Cork team that has not been firing on all cylinders.
Clare have had a rollercoaster campaign also but backed up their defeat of Down pushing Galway to a goal, the same as Cork. Both games were cagey affairs and we can expect John Carmody’s crew to try to keep it tight once more.
A draw would be enough for Cork to qualify to the last six, while Clare must win to advance.
Down v Galway, Páirc Esler, 3pm
Referee: Eamon Cassidy (Derry)
Galway would be expected to maintain their 100 per cent record, even though they haven’t necessarily been on fire through the championship campaign, even though they are stronger in panel depth than when winning the National League.
Down’s ambitions would be to remain at senior level and the draw did them no favours in that regard. Losing to Clare made it even more difficult and unless they win, they will be consigned to the relegation play-offs.
GLEN DIMPLEX ALL-IRELAND SENIOR CAMOGIE CHAMPIONSHIP GROUP 2
Waterford v Antrim, SETU Arena, 4.30pm
Referee: Andy Larkin (Cork)
Live on https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialCamogie/streams
These are the top two teams in the group, so while it’s not quite winner-takes-all, it is probably an examination both teams will welcome. The winner takes top spot, while a draw will be enough for Waterford due to their prodigious scoring.
This is a game that could keep the scoreboard attendant busy, as there are quality forwards on both sides – Beth Carton (Waterford) and Róisín McCormick (Antrim) are just two. Waterford are further on in their development and were semi-finalists last year, whereas Antrim returned to the senior ranks from a more than four-decade absence and have reached the knockout stages fairly quickly. It should be a cracker.
GLEN DIMPLEX ALL-IRELAND SENIOR CAMOGIE CHAMPIONSHIP GROUP 1
Offaly v Limerick, Banagher, 4.30pm
Referee: Justin Heffernan (Wexford)
This tie will determine which of this pair will be involved in the relegation play-offs. Ironically, they had a similar outing in the National League, which Limerick won, meaning that Offaly dropped to the third tier.
There isn’t a huge amount between them but a draw will do Limerick as they have the better score difference.
GLEN DIMPLEX ALL-IRELAND SENIOR CAMOGIE CHAMPIONSHIP GROUP 2
Kilkenny v Tipperary, UPMC Nowlan Park 6pm
Referee: Ray Kelly (Kildare)
Live on https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialCamogie/streams
One of the games of the weekend. Tipperary only need to draw to top the group, as Kilkenny drew with Wexford at the beginning of their campaign. It feels like an important game for Denis Kelly’s squad against the All-Ireland champions, as they lost them by two points when a win would have put them in the League final and the Noresiders were out of contention.
The Cats have definitely been coughing up some dirty petrol but are seasoned operators who know all about timing their run. But Tipperary have been threatening to make a breakthrough for a couple of years and having been strong in the League and also won a Munster title, may see this as an opportunity to secure a statement victory. Kilkenny must get a draw to be absolutely certain of qualification.
GLEN DIMPLEX ALL-IRELAND SENIOR CAMOGIE CHAMPIONSHIP GROUP 2
Dublin v Wexford, Parnell Park, 6pm
Referee: John Dermody (Westmeath)
Wexford still hold mathematical hopes of grabbing second place but have a 24-point differential to make up on Kilkenny, even if they do beat Dublin and the Cats are turned over by Tipperary. They have started slowly in both their games and while reeling in a ten-point deficit against Kilkenny to earn a draw, never got closer than five against Tipp.
Dublin have been competitive against the same two teams without threatening to cause a surprise and their priority now is to avoid relegation. The best way to do that is to beat Wexford and not have any involvement in the play-offs. Wexford will be thinking along the same lines. Plenty to play for.
