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Wexford campaign back on track
Wexford Camogie team got their championship title hopes back on track following a hard fought win over Cork in round two of the All Ireland Camogie championship in association with RT+ Sport.
Following their opening round defeat to Galway, with attacker Veronica Curtin netting 2-2 in their 2-14 to 0-9 victory, questions marks lingered over the Wexford defence while doubts surrounded the potency of their attack, scoring 0-9 with Ursula Jacob chipping in with 0-7 from frees. However, the defending champions bounced back and following some early jitters against Cork and a dramatic last minute penalty save by Mags Darcy, they recorded a 0-14 to 1-11 win.
JJ Doyle’s side have a clean bill of health for their crunch tie against old rivals Kilkenny this weekend in Wexford Park. Katrina Parrock, Una Leacy and Ursula Jacob are all expected to line out in attack with Josie O’Dwyer moving into the forwards, from her customary midfield spot.
Kilkenny, managed by Ann Downey will be aiming for their third win on the trot, having defeated both Offaly and Dublin comprehensively in their opening round ties.
Downey will be looking to All Star Ann Dalton to pull the strings at midfield and her duel with Kate Kelly, will be one of the highlights. In addition, the scoring form of Michelle Quilty and Aoife Neary, is a strong positive for Kilkenny who are chasing their first All- Ireland since 1994.
In the remaining ties, Clare play Tipperary in Ennis while Dublin entertain Offaly in Portmarnock. Tipp are looking for their third win in a row but face a tough task against a determined Clare side, who will fancy their chances of picking up points. The Banner were unlucky to lose to Galway last weekend, with super sub Veronica Curtin turning the game in favour of the Tribeswomen in the closing stages. Clare will be looking to Fiona Lafferty, Susan Vaughan and Deirdre Murphy for big performances while John Lillis will hope that Clare Grogan and star forward Sarah Fryday can keep up their scoring form.
Both Dublin and Offaly will be determined to collect their first points of this year’s championship, when the sides meet at 3.00pm on Saturday. Dublin, under Denis Murphy, will be relying on All Star Louise O’Hara and team captain Caitriona Power while Offaly will be depending on the scoring prowess of Elaine Dermody and defensive powerhouse Michaela Morkan to pull them through.
In the remaining senior fixture, Galway take on Cork on Sunday afternoon at Pearse Stadium, after the 2011 Feile Camogie Finals. Cork won’t lack for motivation having succumbed to Wexford last weekend while their defeat to Galway in last year’s replayed All Ireland semi-final will add extra impetus. Galway, will be aiming to continue their strong start and to claim another championship scalp along the way.
For full details on the 2011 All Ireland Camogie Championship in association with RT+ Sport check out www.camogie.ie or follow this year’s championship on Camogie Facebook.
Highlights of the 2011 All Ireland Senior championship are on RT+ The Sunday Game, while radio updates are RT+ Saturday Sport.
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