Camogie previews weekend March 14/15

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ALL IRELAND SENIOR COLLEGE‘S PREVIEW

A: St Brigid’s College Callan v Portumna CS (Sat)

Defending champions St Brigid’s have benefitted from a tough semi-final replay against Christ King, Cork. Shelly Farrell was in tremendous form then finding the net on three occasions. Others who will have to impress are Denise Gaula, Ciara Holden and Ciara McDonald.

The Kilkenny School has experienced All Ireland success, unlike Portumna who have never won a national title. However, excitement is mounting with their St Patrick’s Day All Ireland club final also looming. Ruth Kilkenny, Claire Killeen and Maria Breheny should ensure that the Westerners will have a say.

B: Blackwater CS Lismore v St MacNissi’s, Garron Tower, Antrim (Sat)

Tremendous credit to two schools that have battled their way from the C Grade last year. All Ireland C winners Blackwater are highlighting the rise of camogie in Waterford and Rachel Whelan, Ruth Geoghan and Sarah Fenton will do all in their power to bring back the silverware.

St MacNissi’s who were beaten by Lismore in the C semi-final in 2008 are eager to amend. They are availing of the expertise of hurling coaches in the Cushendall club as well as Johnny McIntosh who is trainer of the Down hurling team.

C: St Colm’s Draperstown v Grennan College Thomastown (Sat)

Many of the St Colm’s panel have experienced success at All-Ireland level in Feile with Ballinascreen & Swatragh and Derry U-16’s. However, they know it will take a big performance to put one over on the Cats.

Grennan College Thomastown overcame Mercy of Waterford to get to this final. Aine Lannon, goalkeeper Grace Clarke, Megan Farrell giving them the edge. This Derry/Kilkenny clash is hard to call – no doubt though, both schools will give it everything to move to the B level.

DIV ONE NL PREVIEW

TIPPERARY V DUBLIN (Sun)

Dublin have a tough assignment away to Tipperary. They were heavily defeated by Kilkenny in their previous game, and need to register points before they meet Clare. They have lost a few names from last year but Joelenne Hoary, Ciara Lucey and Louise O’Hara can trouble any defence.

The Premier girls scraped a one point win over Clare last Sunday, and while they were fortunate to escape with the win, they will fancy their chances at home. Michelle Shortt and Trish O’Halloran plus Claire Grogan, Jill Horan should ensure victory.

WEXFORD V LIMERICK (Sun)

This is the Slaneysiders first outing and having bowed out earlier than they would have wished in 2008 many expect a stern challenge from the 2007 All Ireland champions. Ursula Jacob and Una Leacy remain the twin threat up front where they should have too much firepower.

Limerick have yet to reproduce the form that yielded them an All Ireland senior B title two years ago. They shipped a heavy defeat to Galway last weekend, and that won’t have done their confidence much good. Still, they are better than that.

CLARE V KILKENNY (Sun)

The Banner County are impressing greatly since their move up senior. They matched Tipp all the way recently, and should at least have earned a draw. Six players got on the score sheet, which is also encouraging. However, they will know more about themselves after this clash.

Kilkenny are building a strong team. The 2008 All Ireland intermediate winners, plus several U16 and minor titles provide the nucleus. Ann Dalton, Colette Dormer and Leann Fennelly are showing good form. If they win, they will be made to work hard for it.

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