The Antrim team to face Clare in today’s Junior Camogie semi-final in Tullamore shows three changes from the side that scored a runaway win over Limerick in their last round robin game against at Corrigan Park. Fionnuala Kelly, Orlagh Laverty and Bronagh Magill, who played in that game are replaced by Emma Laverty, Claire Kearney and Sinead Cosgrove, all of who were unavailable for the Limerick game.  

Clare is very much an unknown quantity for the Antrim girls and management as the sides have never met. Indeed Antrim were expecting to be playing Cavan in today’s game but Clare caused a bit of an upset when they piped the Breffni girls at the post in their last group game.

When Antrim entered a Junior team last year things did not go according to plan and they struggled badly, but this year has been much better and although well beaten by Armagh in the Ulster final they have fared well in their other games, including against Armagh in group stages where they ran the girls from the Orchard county to a single point in Dunloy.

Clare will no doubt provide a stern challenge, but they are in with a chance, and with the starting 15 backed up by a strong bench they can make it through to a Croke Park final in two weeks’ time.

Under 16

All Ireland Under 16B Championship

The Antrim Camogie conveyer belt continues to turn out talented young players and tomorrow (Sunday) in Collon Co Louth the Under 16 team take on Offaly in the All Ireland Under 16 B semi-final. These two counties have had great battles over the years in hurling and Camogie, and last season it took a replay before the Saffrons came out on top in the Minor B final.

The Antrim girls beat Derry in the Ulster final back in May and followed that up with wins over Westeath, Carlow and Derry again in the group stages. Offaly will be tough opponents but it they can maintain their good form Antrim can do the business yet again at the Mattock Rangers ground.