Division One Final
Cork v Wexford, Semple Stadium, Thurles, 2pm
On the undercard of the Rebel Couty’s senior hurling clash with Kilkenny, Wexford will be bidding for a fourth league title on the trot.
Cork, meanwhile, are aiming to secure their first since 2007.
The Model County are dominating the camogie landscape at present and with All-Ireland honours at stake, it offers another opportunity to gain a stronger foothold over their fiercest rivals. Cork will be anxious to re-assert their authority and their empathetic display over Galway in this year’s semi-final displays a steely determination and focus to climb back to the top.
For Cork to prosper, much depends on the performance of their younger charges such as the Mackey duo, Pamela and Katrina and Captain Julia White while the ever dependable trio of Gemma O’Connor, Jennifer O’Leary and Rena Buckley will be crucial for the Rebels. The clash of Buckley and Wexford sharpshooter, Ursula Jacob is one of the key points of the game as is the duel between Anna Geary and Wexford centre back Mary Leacy.
Wexford, despite naming All Stars Una Leacy and Claire O’Connor, on the bench boast an experienced side. However, scores have been difficult to come by in the last number of games with Ursula Jacob relied upon to pull them through and a greater return will be expected from corner forward Katrina Parrock and wing forward Kate Kelly. Cork’s greater hunger could provide them with the extra edge on Sunday, but they face a formidable battle against the current title holders.
Verdict: Cork
Division Two Final
Derry v Meath, Pairc Tailteann, Navan, 2.45pm
Meath have made remarkable strides over the last number of years, annexing the Division Three crown in 2011, they are now within reach of Division One camogie, provided they can match the challenge of a resolute Derry side today.
Jane Dolan, captains the Royals and her performance at centre forward and that of Kristina Troy at centre back are pivotal for success. Derry’s Grainne McGoldrick lines out at centre forward and the Eoghan Rua club-woman is one of the side’s key lynchpins along with midfielders Grainne McNicholl and Aileen McCusker.
Verdict: Meath
