Purcell Cup Previews

In the first semi-final of the Purcell Cup IT Tralee face a Garda College that overcame a fancied DCU outfit in the Quarter final of the competition. IT Tralee beat last year’s Shield finalists NUI Maynooth by eight points. Defensively IT Tralee boast a former nominated young player of the year Edwina Keane. Keane is the backbone of the defence and will be likely to start from the Centre back position on Saturday although she has been known as a prolific forward in the past. In their recent  win over Maynooth there were good performances from Tara Cooney in defense and Megan Morgan in the middle of the park. Up front they will look to Orla Murphy to lead the way. There wont be much between the teams on Saturday but the Garda College will be hopeful following their hard fought win over DCU. The Garda College boast great talent between the posts from Tipperary’s Rosie Kenneally. Kenneally, a former WIT student, has great experience and it will be difficult for any forwardline to score too many goals. The Garda College also boast an All-Ireland Intermediate winner in Galway’s Paula Kenny while the recent form of Elaine Gallery will certainly give Tralee plenty oto think about.
 

IT Tralee –v- Garda College
Time: 11am
Pitch: 4
Ref: Mike O’Kelly
 
 
 

In the second of the semi-finals DIT take on Purcell Cup finalists from last year Mary I, Limerick. In 2009, Mary I were narrowly beaten by Athone IT in the Purcell Cup final. The game  that day was one of the finest in recent years with the game deadlocked on full time. It took extra time to seperate the sides but Mary I lost out narrowly in the end. However, in 2010, Mary I’s captain, Leah West is hoping to go one better with the help of players such as Kate Lynch. While Mary I are without last years player of the tournament Carina Rosengrave that does not phase them. They have played in Division 1 of the league in recent months and they are hoping this experience will stand to them come Saturday. However, a strong DIT outfit are hopeful that they can take the honours this weekend. On their way to the semi final they beat Trinity College Dublin. DIT can boast great talent in their captain and Dublin Senior camogie Player Joelenne Hoary. DIT have performed well in the league and are hoping to bring this form into the weekend. This game is too hard to call but should certainly be an enthralling encounter

 
DIT –v- Mary I
Time: 1.00pm
Pitch: 4
Ref: Peter Whelan

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