National Camogie League – Division 1
Antrim v Waterford at Quinn Park, Ballymena
Throw in – 1pm
It’s a strange sight in Division 1A: the two teams currently sitting below Antrim in the table—Galway and Cork—are the exact same counties that contested the last two All-Ireland deciders and last year’s league final.
While Antrim’s sensational victory over Cork in their last outing is the primary reason for this standings shake-up, it also serves as a stark warning. With an inferior scoring difference, the Saffrons are far from safe from relegation. To stay up, they will likely need to claim a second massive scalp, as it’s inevitable that both Cork and Galway will find another gear over the next three weekends.
Antrim rightly dominated the headlines after their shock win in Cork a fortnight ago, earning them live coverage from the Camogie Association for Staurday’s clash in Ballymena, however Waterford will be a formidable test.
- Formidable Form: The Déise have already beaten both Cork and Galway in their opening two fixtures.
- Key Threats: Fielding close to full-strength panels, Waterford has relied on the firepower of Beth Carton, Niamh Rockett, and Abby Flynn to punch holes in elite defenses. Waterford is the ultimate blueprint for a team that has successfully climbed from junior to highly competitive senior status over the past decade. Crucially, they rarely lose to other counties trying to make that exact same journey.
While the two sides aren’t total strangers—having met in a Loughgiel championship clash a couple of years ago on a much faster pitch—Waterford will be bringing largely the same experienced squad north for this encounter.
Manager Elaine Dowds previously highlighted a costly “switch-off” period at the end of each half against Tipperary, which leaked around 2-6. While she admitted there was little time to correct it on the training ground before facing Cork, the subsequent two-week break should have given the squad vital time to regroup.
In a welcome boost, Róisín McCormick has rejoined the panel. However, ongoing injury concerns mean her actual game-time will likely be limited, if she features at all. Ultimately, if Antrim wants to take any points off Waterford, they will need to replicate the relentless, exhaustive work rate they showcased in Cork.
ANTRIM
- Catriona Graham
- Colleen Patterson
- Niamh Cosgrove
- Dearbhail Dobbin
- Claire McKillop.
- Katie Molloy.
- Shannagh Heggarty
- Amy Boyle
- Aobha McAllister
- Maeve Kelly.
- Lucia McNaughton
- Nicole McAtamney
- Aimee Ferris
- Janey McIntosh
- Cliona Griffin