2011 All Ireland Camogie Championship in association with RT+ Sport
All Ireland Intermediate Semi-Finals
Wexford v Derry, Pairc Tailteann, Navan, 1.30pm, John O’Neill (Cork)
Wexford bid to emulate the feat of their senior counterparts by qualifying for their second All Ireland Intermediate Final in a row. However, they face a formidable challenge against a Derry side which includes All Ireland Club winners Meabh McGoldrick, sister Grainne and Jane Carey of Eoghan Rua.
The midfield battle of Carey and Karen Kielt against Shelly Kehoe and Siona Nolan will be crucial. Upfront, Wexford would appear to have the more experienced unit, with Ciara O’Connor, Louise Codd and Stacey Redmond a formidable scoring trio.
Wexford, fuelled by last year’s disappointment, should come through.
Antrim v Limerick, Pairc Tailteann, Navan, 3.00pm, Aiden O’Brien (Wexford)
The 2010 Premier Junior champions face an experienced Limerick outfit, bidding to banish the disappointment of last year’s semi-final defeat. Powered by Soaring Star Jane Adams at full-forward along with Emma Connolly at centre back, the Saffron County is in with a strong chance of reaching their second final in a row. Rhona Torney forms a strong midfield with Colleen Doherty. Limerick’s full-forward line of Dymphna O’Brien, Vera Sheehan and Niamh Mulcahy are crucial for their side’s All Ireland aspirations, while the match-up of Rose Collins, at full back, against the mercurial Adams, will be one of the duels of the match. Limerick’s experience should see them shade this tie, by the slimmest of margins.
All Ireland Premier Junior Semi-Finals
Down v Meath, Pairc Ui Neill, Clontibret, 2.00pm, John Dolan (Clare)
An interesting tie is in store with two up and coming sides. Down powered by the Carr sisters; Fionnuala at centre back and Sarah Louise at full-forward will fancy their chances of securing a final berth on September 11th. Lisa McCrickard, captains the side from centre forward and her performance along with that of Niamh Mallon is vital to Down’s chances of success. Meath, who collected League final honours earlier this season, will look to Edel Guy, at midfield and the formidable Jane Dolan at centre-forward to lead the way. A difficult tie to call, but Meath should have enough to secure a win.
Laois v Waterford, Nowlan Park, 2.30pm, Malachy McToal (Derry)
Waterford will be highly motivated to return to Croke Park and stage a bid to secure a crown which has so far eluded them. Powered by triple All Ireland Poc Fada winner, Patricia Jackman at midfield as well as Karen Kelly at full forward and Niamh Rockett, at wing forward, the DÚise have proven quality. Laois, backboned by the famous Harps camogie club, will fancy their chances. The O’Mahony sisters, Louise and Aine along with Caitriona Phelan, are the lynchpins of a balanced side. Waterford’s big game experience, however, should see them edge past.
All Ireland Junior A semi-final
Offaly v Westmeath, Rath, 3.00pm, Gerry McGough, (Dublin)
Leinster neighbours Offaly and Westmeath meet in what is bound to be an exciting clash between these long time rivals. Westmeath, led by the superb Sandra Greville at centre forward, Pamela Greville at midfield along with captain Aisling Conaty at centre back, enter the tie as slight favourites. However, Offaly won’t lack for motivation and with Leanne Scully, at centre back, Mary Molloy at centre forward and Valerie Meagher in the full forward berth the Premier County will pose a formidable threat.
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