Ulster PRO Niamh Archibald

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Fixtures:

Division 2: Antrim vs Tipperary Fingallians GAA Swords 1.30pm, Clare vs Derry Fingallians GAA Swords 3.15pm

Division 3 National League Final: Laois vs Down Donaghmore Ashbourne 3.15pm 

Preview:

Down and Laois will compete in the Division 3 National League Final tomorrow in what promises to be a highly competitive game.

Down last competed in the National League Final in 2007 which saw them play Waterford in the Division 2 final and they were last champions in 1998 after beating Cork in an exciting encounter.

Down manager Joe Baldwin believes that this is too long for a team who boasts some of Ulster‘s finest: “”From my point of view it’s been too long for Down to go without silverware. This team has some players who have emerged from winning the Minor æB’ All-Ireland the likes of Nora Brennan and Sarah Louise Carr are mixing with the likes of Finnouala Carr, Lisa McCrickard and Catherine McGourty.””

The game will also give Down the opportunity to avenge their only defeat which came at the hands of Laois.

“”It will be a tough game against Laois they were the only team to beat us this year but I have faith in the ability of my players and if they play to their true and full potential then I think we’ll do it,”” said Baldwin.

There are two games in Division 2 today with Derry taking on Clare and Antrim playing Tipperary.

The two games will once again feature as a double header in Fingallians GAA, Swords.

The two Ulster sides will be hoping to come away with a win and two more valuable points which will aid their desire to reach the League Play-offs.

Derry will look to Clare Doherty who was recently named captain of the Derry side. Doherty was captain when Derry won the Junior All-Ireland and she will provide Derry with some much needed stability in the midfield area, as will Jane Carey in defence.

For Antrim, Tipperary will prove tough opposition but if the Saffrons continue to play in the manner they have so far in the League, they should earn two more points and reach the Play-offs.

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