Interprovincial competitions in Ashbourne this Sunday

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Just like the GAA inter-provincial series, the camogie inter-provincial championships are under scrutiny. However, despite Ulster pulling out of this weekend’s Gael Linn senior and junior competitions the Camogie Association have come up with a novel way of maintaining interest. The remaining three provinces will play each other in 15 minute games with a five minute break for half-time.

There is a noon start with a quarter of an hour between all matches. The top two teams will go through to the final, and a scoring difference will come into play if teams finish on level points. All the action in both grades will be complete in a four-hour span.

The inter-provincial competition is one of the oldest in the camogie calendar dating back to 1956 and down through the years the matches have attracted large public interest with players from the so-called weaker counties getting an opportunity to represent their province and line out with top-class players. It also affords players who might not have an All Ireland medal an opportunity to shine at provincial level.

President Joan O’Flynn says this is a wonderful occasion to go along and see camogie players perform at the highest level.

“”The blitz format might revitalize the competition. Each team will get game time. The three provinces that are competing are sending strong panels. I also understand Ulster‘s predicament in the current economic climate.””

In the senior competition, the Connacht team will be selected mainly from Galway players, while Leinster will pick largely from recently crowned national league champions Wexford, Kilkenny and Dublin.

Munster will be comprised of players from All Ireland champions Cork, Clare, Limerick, Waterford and Tipperary with Mary O’Connor, Briege Corkery, Gemma O’Connor heading up the challenge.

The games will be held on Sunday in Donaghmore Ashbourne, County Meath with the senior final at 3.30pm and the junior decider down for 2.45pm.

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