As we enter another weekend of Littlewoods Ireland Camogie Leagues action we take a closer look at the three fixtures taking place in Division 1.
Saturday, May 22nd
Littlewoods Ireland Camogie Leagues Division 1, Group 1
Clare v Limerick
Clare produced an impressive display in their opening fixture but ultimately fell short to the Tribeswomen in an entertaining opening battle in the West. It was three first-half goals that done damage to the Clare scoreboard, but their resilience and attitude to those three setbacks was evident for all to see. Another performance like that will be needed this Saturday if they are to have any chance to progress to the next stage.
Limerick will begin their Division 1 League campaign this weekend and they begin with an all-Munster clash against their neighbours Clare. Pat Ryan has assembled a young and talented squad led out by 24-year-old captain Karen O’Leary. A victory for the Shannonsiders would leave the group standings looking very interesting heading into the final week of group games.
Group 2
Tipperary v Waterford
It was the concession of three goals that cost Tipperary in their opening round match against Cork last time out and they will need to put that right this weekend if they are looking to gain progression from Group 2. Cáit Devane once again showed her clinical side as she finished with 0-10 in week one, and they will need another strong performance from their star player when Waterford make the journey to Clonmel.
The Déise begin their League campaign this weekend but will be wary of a wounded Tipperary side looking to put right their previous result. Waterford have strength in all areas of the pitch and like their opponents, they have their own star attacker in Beth Carton who can turn any game on its head in the blink of an eye. Lorraine Bray and Niamh Rockett bring valuable leadership and experience to the side and they will need to show that once again on Saturday.
Group 3
Dublin v Offaly
It was a good performance from the Dubs last time out despite losing out to the All-Ireland Senior Champions Kilkenny. A slow start meant they were on the back foot right from the off, but they continued to battle and stay with their opponents right throughout the match. That experience should give the team a lot of confidence, but they will need to get a victory on the board this weekend if they want to progress.
Offaly travel to the Capital for their first outing in the League campaign and will feel confident they can produce a good performance to unsettle the Dubs. This is an exciting Offaly team that have skilful and experienced players that can cause damage to any defence. Susan Earner’s side will have no fear when they take on Dublin this weekend.
Fixtures:
Littlewoods Ireland Camogie Leagues Division 1, Group 1
Clare v Limerick, 4:30pm. Justin Heffernan (Wexford)
Littlewoods Ireland Camogie Leagues Division 1, Group 2
Tipperary v Waterford, Clonmel Commercials GFC, Clonmel, 2:00pm. John McDonagh (Galway)
Littlewoods Ireland Camogie Leagues Division 1, Group 3
Dublin v Offaly, O’Toole Park, Crumlin, 2:30pm. Owen Elliott (Antrim)
Littlewoods Ireland Camogie Leagues Division 2, Group 1
Down v Derry, Castlewellan GAA, 2:00pm. Gavin Donegan (Dublin)
Littlewoods Ireland Camogie Leagues Division 2, Group 2
Galway v Tipperary, Kenny Park, Athenry, 2:00pm. John Horgan (Cork)
Cork v Kerry, Cork Camogie Grounds, 2:00pm. Kevin O’Brien (Limerick)
Littlewoods Ireland Camogie Leagues Division 2, Group 3
Kilkenny v Laois, John Lockes GAA, Callan, 2:00pm. Referee TBC
Littlewoods Ireland Camogie Leagues Division 2, Group 4
Kildare v Dublin, Manguard Plus Kildare GAA Centre of Excellence, 2:00pm. Eamonn Cassidy (Derry)
Westmeath v Meath, Coralstown/Kinnegad G.F.C, 2:00pm. Phillip McDonald (Cavan)
Littlewoods Ireland Camogie Leagues Division 3, Group 1
Wexford v Down, Bellefield GAA, Enniscorthy, 2:00pm. Mike Ryan (Tipperary)
Littlewoods Ireland Camogie Leagues Division 3, Group 2
Carlow v Limerick, Netwatch Cullen Park, 2:00pm. Conor Quinlan (Galway)
Clare v Waterford, Fr. McNamara Park, 1:00pm. Enda Loughnane (Galway)
Littlewoods Ireland Camogie Leagues Division 4, Group 1
Wicklow v Tyrone, AGB Pearse’s Park, Arklow, 2:00pm. Eoin Morrisey (Wexford)
Antrim v Cavan, Tír na NÓg, 2:00pm. Bernard Heaney (Meath)
Littlewoods Ireland Camogie Leagues Division 4, Group 2
Mayo v Kildare, Tooreen GAA, 2:00pm. Aaron Hogg (Clare)
Louth v Roscommon, Darver GAA Centre of Excellence, 2:00pm. Máirtín McGann (Antrim)
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