Senior Camogie Final: Athleague v Four Roads in Athleague on Saturday at 4 pm
Just when it looked like Four Roads might never lose a county camogie final again (after 7 in a row to 2014), Athleague came long and now they will attempt to win three titles in a row on Saturday when they meet their long-time rivals and neighbours.
The key to Athleague’s success in recent years has been the introduction of a very successful set of young players to add to the experienced performers that they have, and the combination has proven to be just the right mix. The experience is supplied by ex-county stars Kelley Hopkins, Annette McGeeney and Fiona Connell and they are the backbone of this Athleague team.
Young guns Rachel Fitzmaurice, Niamh Farrell. Chloe Whyte-Lennon, Laura Fleming, Ciara Ryan and Laura Keenan have become established in the Athleague team and with the experienced Seamus Qualter providing plenty of know-how from the line, it will be hard to dislodge the champions.
Four Roads are managed this year by former star player Joe Mannion and they have a whole host of experienced and capable players who have been there and done it. If they have renewed their hunger they will be hard to beat. Donna Kelly, Patricia Lennon, Niamh Coyle, Aisling Fallon, Orla Hughes and Siobhan Coyle are all top class performers at this level.
This could be a cracking game and there is no doubt that there will not be much between the sides. It is very hard to choose between the two but maybe the chance of three-in-a-row will spur Athleague on to a narrow victory.
Prediction: Athleague
Note: The game will be preceded by the shield final between Oran and St. Dominic’s at 2 pm.
