WEEKEND VERY CAMOGIE LEAGUE FINALS PREVIEWS

TODAY DIVISION 1B FINAL Dublin v Wexford SETU Carlow, 2pm

These two sides served up an absolute treat as they got the league programme off to a thrilling start back in February, with Wexford just edging it.

Colin Sunderland has managed to negotiate the return of some experienced operators for Wexford, and after a number of years in transition, there is depth to the squad now, with the likes of AllIreland winner, Shelley Kehoe offering prodigious workrate and scoring power.

Former All-Star Aisling Maher is a leader for Dublin but has considerable support this year in Aisling O’Neill, Kerrie Finnegan, Gaby Couch and Orla Gray. And it will be a special day for the Gannon family, with Niamh, Claire and Aishling involved.

VERDICT: DUBLIN

DIVISION 3A FINAL Armagh v Laois NGDC Abbotstown, 2pm

When the teams met on March 2, Laois’s goal power told the tale.

Eimear Hassett (2-2 from play) was a constant threat while Andrea Scully came off the bench to bag a goal and a point.

Seán Hughes has introduced a number of young players to the Armagh squad. Aoife Byrne, Áine Doyle and Rose Boden are talented performers, while Ciara Geoghegan has returned to the fold after having a baby.

VERDICT: LAOIS

DIVISION 4 FINAL Tyrone v Wicklow

Darver, 2pm Tyrone finished top of the table with an unblemished record, but their Round 2 clash with Wicklow at the beginning of March in Omagh indicated that there was very little between them, the home team edging it 4-11 to 2-11.

They did so thanks to a stellar opening period, at the end of which they led by 2-8 to 0-2, Lauren Fitzgerald and Lara Devlin scoring the goals.

Katie Tyrell was outstanding for Wicklow though and her goal, as well as scores from Poppie Rose Cullen Dunne and Nicole Curran brought them back in touch. VERDICT: TYRONE

TOMORROW DIVISION 1A FINAL Galway v Tipperary Croke Park, 2pm

Galway have enjoyed considerable League success since Cathal Murray took over the reins. This is their fifth consecutive final – the competition went unfinished due to Covid in 2020 – and they are attempting to secure a fourth title in that period.

Carrie Dolan has excelled both from placed balls and in the loose, while Annmarie Starr has reestablished herself at midfield

after a lengthy absence. Niamh Kilkenny and Niamh Hanniffy are back in the fold, youngsters Ciara Hickey, Ally Hesnan and Niamh Niland have made an impact, while ex-Down superstar Niamh Mallon is now a member of the squad.

Denis Kelly’s Tipp crew lost their opening tie to Waterford but followed up with wins over Galway, Cork, Kilkenny and Clare to make it this far. They have done so despite being without long-time talisman

Cáit Devane, who got married recently, but Karen Kennedy’s return from injury has been significant.

Clodagh McIntyre and Karin Blair have blossomed in new defensive roles. VERDICT: GALWAY

DIVISION 2A FINAL Derry v Westmeath Croke Park, 12.30pm

Westmeath finished top of the table on 13 points, to Derry’s 12, but it is hard to know how much we can read into the Lakesiders’ victory in their clash at Cusack Park two weeks ago, given the visitors were already qualified and the hosts needed something to be sure of holding off Meath. Still, a 5-9 to 1-9 win can hardly be written off.

The Derry defence, led by skipper Aoife Ní Chaiside, will be keeping an eye on Megan Dowdall, who took them for 4-4. At the other end, Áine Barton provides a perfect focal point for the Oak Leaf attack.

VERDICT: DERRY