NWP Recycling Ulster Club Intermediate Camogie Championship
It’s semi-final weekend in the NWP Recycling Ulster Intermediate and Junior Championships.
There are two mouthwatering clashes in the intermediate section tomorrow as Eglish host Liatroim (2pm) and Granemore travel to Dungiven (2pm).
Dungiven claimed the Derry intermediate championship by seeing off Kilrea by a single point and their opponents tomorrow also claimed their county title in dramatic fashion so the game is poised to be a tight encounter.
Goals from Aine Crossan and player-of-the-match Orlaith Ní Mhaoláin helped the Derry side claim victory.
In defence, Eimear Mullan and Robyn Harkin were solid with Aine Kelly, Aine Crossan and Shauna Quinn all working hard in the middle of the pitch to shut down any attacks as well as pushing their side forward.
Rachel Merry’s injury time goal saw Granemore take victory over Middletown and the Armagh side will be aiming to book an Ulster final spot in their 40th year.
Merry will provide the main scoring threat for Granemore tomorrow, while at the back they can rely on the experience of Grainne Kelly and goalkeeper Bronagh Mone.
All three of those players were part of the Armagh side that played in the All-Ireland Premier Junior Final last month and that experience could prove vital in what promises to be a close affair. While Granemore manager Mairéad McCann admitted her side knew little about their opponents, they know they will need to be at their best tomorrow if they are to book a place in the final.
“In regards to tomorrow’s game with Dungiven we are heading to unknown territory, we don’t know too much about them but, look, if they are coming out of Derry as winners, they’ll be no bad team and it’ll take all our girls playing at the top of their game to get a result.
“After our historic win, we have regrouped and girls are all training well and we have no injury worries ahead of the game.
“We are delighted to be here and representing both our club and county in Ulster.
“It has taken us 40 years to get here so we are going to give it everything.”
The other semi-final will see reigning champions Eglish battling it out with Liatriom Fontenoys who last won the title in 2013.
Caitriona McCrickard is the main scoring threat for the Down champions who can also look to Aimee McAleenan.
At the back Kelly O’Higgins Dearbhla Magee and Emma McCormick have enjoyed a great season so far and they will need to be at their best again tomorrow as they face Eglish’s Ciara and Leeanne Donnelly.
Eglish have experience throughout their side in the likes of Ciara McGready, Julie Lagan and Shauna, Aisling and Cathy Jordan and that experience could prove vital tomorrow.
In the junior games tomorrow Tullysaran will battle it out at home to Crosserlough (1pm) and Castleblayney host St John’s at 2pm for a final place.
