Camogie weekend previews

2011 All Ireland Camogie Championship in association with RT+ Sport

Tipperary v Offaly, Mike O’Kelly, (Cork) Semple Stadium, 3.00pm 

(*Highlights on RT+ the Sunday Game)

Teenage star Sarah Fryday will be the one to watch as Tipp take on Offaly at Semple Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Fryday joins with veteran attacker Clare Grogan and Cora Hennessy in a formidable forward line that should pose questions for the Offaly defence who conceded 4-17 in last week’s match against Kilkenny. Doubts remain over the fitness of Offaly attacker Arlene Watkins while a lot will depend on the performance of centre back Michaela Morkan. Tipperary at home should collect the points.

Cork v Wexford, Fintan McNamara, (Clare) Pairc Ui Chaoimh, 1.00pm

A resurgent Cork face a Wexford side, smarting from last week’s defeat to Galway. Sile Burns racked up 3-4 for the Leesiders while colleague Jennifer O’Leary put in another sterling display. Wexford’s forwards struggled last weekend, relying on the free-taking prowess of captain and full-forward Ursula Jacob. Wexford need to secure a win to get their campaign back on track. Cork, at home will be difficult to beat but Wexford’s greater urgency should see them through.

Galway v Clare, Cathal Egan, (Cork) Kenny Park, Athenry, 2.00pm

This is a difficult one to call considering the intense rivalry between both sides. Galway have made a number of changes to their defence, most noticeably the positioning of Therese Maher at centre back with Ann Marie Hayes operating at wing- back while Sinead Cahalan returns to full-back, after missing last season with injury. Clare suffered a second half collapse against Cork but will fancy their chances against their neighbours. Galway should sneak it- but only just.

Kilkenny v Dublin, Alan Lagrue (Kildare) Thomastown, 3.30pm

Dublin will be disappointed following last weekend’s defeat to Tipperary. The Blues will be pleased with the creation of their scoring chances, but were left to rue two clear goal chances, as a wily Tipp side applied the pressure in the second half. This weekend’s tie will provide Denis Murphy’s charges with the opportunity to redeem themselves against Kilkenny, who co-incidentally beat Dublin very heavily in this season’s league. Ann Downey has a full panel to pick from and with Ann Dalton, pulling the strings at midfield, the Cats should win out.

“