Ulster games previewed

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Down are in action in the Gala Junior æNew Ireland Cup’ and manager Joe Baldwin will be putting family aside in the hope that his team can come away victorious.

Waterford provides the opposition and Baldwin is hoping that his family’s knowledge will prove useful in today’s clash: “”My father still lives in Waterford and he’s been giving me some information about them so hopefully we’ll have one over them. They are a very tough side who will make it difficult for us all over the pitch as they have some great players, however; I am extremely confident in my side’s ability and certain that we have the right personal to get the result.””

Despite having a convincing win over Dublin in their opening game Baldwin remains focused on today’s match and picking up two more points.

“”We’ve put ourselves in a good position by winning over Dublin but the job is far from done. We’ll be going out for the win, the result of each game is vital as this is the business end of the season. We have a chance to define our season and we’ll take every opportunity that it given to us. We’re well prepared for today’s match; we’ve been working hard in training, we even had a couple of sessions on the beach so the girls are fit and ready to go, said Baldwin.””

The good news for Down is that Karen Gribben has returned to the panel and Baldwin believes that she could prove vital in the remaining games: “”We’ve brought back Karen Gribben from Clonduff, she’s a great asset to have could yet prove useful in the Championship series.””

Tyrone and Armagh are both in action today in the æNancy Murray Cup’ and both sides have the opportunity to reach the semi-final stage.

Tyrone take on Kildare with manager Brenainn Brunton stating it is the game which could define their season: “”We have the potential to reach a semi-final and while it’s come unexpectedly we’ll be going out for the win. We’re under no illusions it will be a tough match, Kildare are probably the best team we’ve played this year. They’re a well balanced team with some fantastic players and a great midfield; I was really impressed with them.””

Armagh meanwhile have the opportunity to recover their season if they defeat Westmeath and manager Patsy MaGee believes that the game has the potential to define their season.

“”It is very much winner takes all, we’ve been approaching it as a semi-final. We know that it will be extremely tough but we’ve worked hard over the past few weeks in training and hopefully the result will go our way,”” MaGee said.

Fixtures:

Today (Saturday 18^th July):

Gala Junior Championship-New Ireland Cup:

Waterford vs Down, Donaghmore Ashbourne 3:30pm

Gala Junior Championship-Nancy Murray Cup:

Armagh vs Westmeath, Ballymacnab 1pm

Tyrone vs Kildare, Derrytresk 3pm

Tomorrow (Sunday 19^th July):

Minor æA’ Championship: Cork vs Antrim, Naomh Peregrine 1.30pm

Minor æB’ Championship: Derry vs Offaly, Bellaghy 3pm

Limerick vs Down, Naomh Peregrine 3.30pm

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