Dublin play host to Waterford in a huge All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship Group 2 tie at Parnell Park on Saturday (2pm throw-in) and the stakes are high for two teams that have already faced off with much on the line.
Adrian O’Sullivan’s Dubs edged out Waterford by a late Kerrie Finnegan point last month to survive a rollercoaster of a Division 1 National League play-off.
The Déise got their Championship campaign off to a winning start against Down at Walsh Park last weekend, while Dublin showed good tenacity but were ultimately well beaten by Cork at Páirc Uí Rinn.
Waterford captain, Niamh Rockett scored six points from play and four in the second half as Derek Lyons’ side overturned a four-point deficit in the closing stages to rescue a one-point win, Rockett also winning the controversial free that was converted by Beth Carton deep in stoppage time to snatch the precious result.
“It was hard to regroup (after the League) but we always had Championship, a new stance, anything can happen in Championship,” notes Rockett. “We were training really well and were delighted with the performance (against Down).
“Dublin are super. They’ve beaten us in the relegation final, they’re still Division 1. It’ll be a really tough battle. They’re well organised, Adrian O’Sullivan is there, they’ll have their homework done on all the teams.”
And speaking on Sportsdaz.ie, O’Sullivan confirmed that this was the case.
“It’s a knockout game for us,” said O’Sullivan. “If Waterford win, they’re in the quarter-final. If we win, it blows the group wide open again. Ourselves, Down and Waterford all have a chance to go through. We’ll probably have a few supporters in the north side of the country on Saturday.
“Waterford were really impressive. I was down at it. Beth Carton was back to herself, Rockett was absolutely flying when they pushed her inside and they showed great guts and determination to come from way downtown to win by a point.
“I suppose no more so than when we needed a win against them in the League to give us a bit of confidence, that will give their group a huge amount of confidence. We’re looking forward to welcoming them to Dublin. I’m sure it’ll be an absolute humdinger of a game, it’s real championship stuff at this stage now.”
