Preview and photos from Antrim Camogie PRO Michael Corcoran
Sunday the 27th April won’t come quick enough for Antrim Camogie supporters. With the Minors travelling to the majestic setting of Nowlan Park in Kilkenny for their All Ireland final against Laois, and the Seniors enjoying a shorter trip to Loughgiel for their Ulster semifinal against old rivals, Down.
Antrim’s Minors had a good run to the final but didn’t come through unscathed as they tip toed past Kildare by one point in round three. Their opponents, Laois, didn’t fare much better, slipping ahead of Kildare by two points in their semifinal game. Could that be an indication to the type of game ahead for both squads on Sunday?
In Antrim’s favour will be that they have had an extra match, having been in a group of four as opposed to Laois in a group of three. In the respective semis, Antrim paired off against Waterford and enjoyed an emphatic win with twelve points the better (Antrim 2-13 Waterford 1-04), whilst Laois arguably are battle weary from their two-point semifinal win against Kildare. Sunday’s game could prove to be possibly one of the best minor camogie games this year.
All Ireland A Shield, Antrim v Laois, UPMC Nowlan Park, Kilkenny throw-in 2:30pm. Your ticket link is here…
At the other end of the country, Antrim’s seniors will face old rivals Down, always considered to be a tough game and few will predict a result until after the whistle is blown!
Antrim’s last game against Down was on the fifteenth of March in the Very National Div 1B league in Ahoghill. Down were sporting a temporary goalkeeper, Neisha McCullough, having stood the test very well letting in only one goal from Antrim’s Annie Lynn but later confessed that this was most definitely a temporary ‘thing’. Antrim too would exercise a change of goalkeeper, having Becky Ellis in goals as Catriona Graham took a short break.
That game will be remembered for Down’s persistence in the first half to trail on the short whistle by a goal and a point, but Antrim returned in the second half to display a degree of dominance for the eventual win by six points.
Although Antrim’s Caitrin Dobbin picked up an injury during the Very league national final that will most likely require rest, the McCormick/Coulter bench will be jostling to fill that gap, such is the desire and competitiveness of this squad. This is an Ulster semifinal that should entertain camogie fans lining the Fr. Healy pitch in Loughgiel.
Ulster Championship semifinal, Antrim v Down, Fr. Healy Park, Loughgiel throw in 1pm
Your ticket link is here…