All Ireland Under 16 Camogie Shield semi-final

Saturday 19th April at Portglenone. Throw-in 3pm

Antrim can be excused for having a slight déjà vu feeling as they rematch with Offaly in Saturday’s All Ireland semi final in Portglenone. Their earlier encounter favoured Antrim with a 1-11 to 0-09 scoreline but many Saffron supporters were glad to hear the final whistle as a resurgent Offaly pressed harder in the second half and only for some classy goalkeeping from Maeve Scullion, Antrim could have had a very different outcome.

An early goal from Antrim by Adria McAllister in the first six minutes put Offaly on the back foot for much of the game and certainly in the first half as Antrim went to the break five points up. The half time team talk witnessed a revitalised Offaly and Antrim’s defence went into overdrive for the remainder of the game, pinning Offaly on the scoreboard to their nine points as Antrim regained some control to maintain their five point lead at the final whistle.

Offaly’s Siofra Ginty proved to be The Faithful County’s talismanic person. Ginty’s six points and two of those from frees, helped Offaly’s cause and Ginty was always a running threat but equalled in presence by Antrim’s JoJo Darragh and Cliodhna Thompson, notwithstanding the contribution from Caoimhe McErlain.

The other semi final sees Waterford, just topping the table ahead of Antrim, play Derry at a slightly earlier time of 2pm in Naomh Mearnóg. Antrim were pushed to the back foot against Derry but drew with Waterford 1-07 apiece in Abbotstown. A few Saffron supporters will feel a Waterford final could be a preferable match and maybe a more interesting game given the parity of their recent camogie.

Saturday’s game against Offaly has bigger consequences for Antrim this time, and it will remain to be seen who has the greatest hunger for leaning in, fighting for every ball and taking the score when the opportunity arises. Saturday’s winner will reap the prize of a place in the All Ireland final on the third or fourth of May, and that should help to focus minds and spectators will not be disappointed as these two teams go toe to toe in the U16 A Shield All Ireland semi final in Portglenone on Saturday. The throw in is at a relaxed time of 3pm and the Saffron Gael is pleased to be able to attend and bring you a match report and photos from play.

Your ticket link is here…https://www.universe.com/users/camogie-association-0LQ93P