Sunday January 20th
Littlewoods Ireland Camogie Leagues Division 1, Group 1
Kilkenny v Clare
The reigning champions open their Division 1 League campaign with a testing fixture against the Banner County. The Cats are bidding for a fourth consecutive Division 1 League title this year, with manager Ann Downey still at the helm. Kilkenny will have home advantage in their opening two fixtures, so they will be hoping to make use of this when their campaign gets underway.
Clare will enter the new season under new management, with Ger O'Connell taking the reins for the Munster outfit. They will be looking to improve on last year's form where they didn't manage to escape the group stages in either league or Championship. It will be a big test for the visitors but one they will surely relish as they travel to the home of the Champions.
Referee: Cathal Egan (Cork)
Venue: John Locke’s GAA, Callan
Throw-in: 2pm
Offaly v Limerick
An interesting battle lies ahead as Offaly take on Limerick in their Group 1 opener. The home side will be hoping for a change of fortunes from their league campaign 12 months ago when they failed to register any points from their fixtures. They welcome last year's Semi-Finalists Limerick to their home turf, where they will be hoping to upset their Munster opponents.
Declan Nash will bring his Limerick side into battle this weekend with the hope of making a strong start to their league campaign. Having reached the Semi-Final stage in each of the last four league seasons they will be looking to go that one step further and a victory over this weekend’s opponents would be the perfect start to make that happen for Limerick.
Referee: Liz Dempsey (Kilkenny)
Venue: St. Rynagh’s GAA, Banagher
Throw-in: 2pm
Group 2
Tipperary v Cork
Tipperary endured a disappointing league campaign last year which saw them claim one victory and fail to progress from the group stages. However, their Championship form was much better and if they can carry that form into their league campaign this year, they will cause oppositions all kinds of problems. Defender Clodagh Quirke will captain the Premier County and her experience will be key for them as they come up against the Rebel firepower this weekend.
Last year’s beaten finalists will feel they have a point to prove in this year’s league campaign, having lost consecutive league finals against the same opposition. However, the reigning All-Ireland Champions, who are led out by Paudie Murray (manager) and Gemma O’Connor (captain) will still be seen as the team to beat and they face a tough opener in a repeat of last year’s All-Ireland Senior Championship Semi-Final.
Referee: Ray Kelly (Kildare)
Venue: The Ragg
Throw-in: 2pm
Wexford v Waterford
Two wins in last year’s league campaign wasn’t enough to help Wexford escape the group stages and they will be hoping that this year they can turn their fortunes around. New management always brings new optimism into a team and the home side will hope that will bring the added lift needed to progress to the latter stages of the competition. Home advantage is always positive in the opening fixture, so they will need to make use of that this weekend.
Similar to Wexford, Waterford also managed a group stage finish 12 months ago, finishing in third place and losing out on progression through score difference to Limerick. A maiden All-Ireland Senior Championship Quarter-Final appearance will bring added confidence to the side which features sharp shooters such as Niamh Rockett and Beth Carton.
Referee: John Dermody (Westmeath)
Venue: St Patrick’s Park, Enniscorthy
Throw-in: 2pm
Fixtures:
Sunday January 20th
Littlewoods Ireland Camogie Leagues Division 1, Group 1
Kilkenny v Clare, John Locke’s GAA, Callan, 2pm, Cathal Egan (Cork)
Offaly v Limerick, St. Rynagh’s GAA, Banagher, 2pm, Liz Dempsey (Kilkenny)
Littlewoods Ireland Camogie Leagues Division 1, Group 2
Tipperary v Cork, The Ragg, 2pm, Ray Kelly (Kildare)
Wexford v Waterford, St Patrick’s Park, Enniscorthy, 2pm, John Dermody (Westmeath)
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