Previews – Camogie Finals
blog No Comments »Captains from Wexford, Tipperary and Antrim contesting the 2009 National League Division One and Two deciders were in Croke Park on Tuesday with President of the Association Joan O’Flynn ahead of the finals which will take place on Saturday next April 25 in Parnell Park.
Wexford and Tipperary clash in the Division One final, while Antrim and Wexford meet in the Division Two final.
Wexford captain Aoife O’Connor – daughter of former Wexford All Ireland winner Teddy – who married RTÉ Sunday Game analyst Declan Ruth last Friday delayed her honeymoon to play in the final. She hopes the week might even ‘get better’.
“We have had a great time at the wedding last week, and the fact we are in the league final is brilliant. We managed to put camogie aside for one day on Friday. This week I am back training. It is a bit of an adjustment but I am excited about the final.
“We will go on honeymoon on Monday. There was never any question of us not staying here for the final. Declan is from a GAA background, so he was fully supportive of my position.
“Wexford had a disappointing 2008 after winning the All Ireland in ‘07. We weren’t right mentally last year. But, the break allowed us reset the dials, so we are thrilled to be in the final.”
In fact, Aoife and her four sisters will be lining out on Saturday between the Division One and Two finals. Claire plays at corner back on the Division One team, while Niamh, Ciara and Eimear are involved with the Division Two side.
Tipperary qualified for Saturday’s showdown courtesy of their magnificent 2-19 to 0-13 victory over titleholders Kilkenny on Sunday. Geraldine Kinnane leads the Blue and Gold this season and says there is a ‘good buzz in the Tipperary camp.’
“Training is going well. We have had a good run in the league, we are unbeaten, and there is plenty of competition for places. Tipperary has won nothing since 2004 and that is a long time for this group of players.
“We are all looking forward to the championship, but it would be great to have some silverware ahead of the summer. We were quietly confident ahead of the Kilkenny game on Sunday,” she added.
Also present was Joan O’Flynn, President of the Camogie Association who said, “We have seen a very successful league campaign, and in Saturday’s Division One final we have two teams endeavouring to get back to the heights of previous years. The Division Two decider highlights the re-emergence of Wexford while Antrim are also a strong force who will be boosted by O’Donovan Rossa winning their first All Ireland senior club title last year.”
The Division Two final pits Wexford second string against Antrim. Skipper Karen Atkinson will be hoping for a Purple and Gold double, but she knows they are up against formidable opposition in the Ulster side who are led by O’Donovan Rossa star Jane Adams. Adams brought the first All Ireland senior club title to Ulster last November.
Paths to the final:
Wexford defeated Galway, Limerick and Cork to top their group and qualify for the final.
Tipperary forced a play-off with Kilkenny after both teams finished level on points. They both beat Clare and Dublin and drew with each other in their final group game. Tipperary overcame Kilkenny at the weekend to gain a place in the final.
National League Division One final:
Wexford v Tipperary, Saturday April 25, Parnell Park, Dublin 3.30pm. Referee: Frank McDonald (Armagh)
National League Division Two final:
Antrim v Wexford, Saturday April 25, Parnell Park, Dublin 2pm. Referee Ciaran Quigley (Kildare)
Replay date (if necessary) Sunday May 3.
