Camogie Previews: All-Ireland champions bid to bounce back against Waterford

Galway lost first day out against Cork

By Brian Barry

After roaring into life last weekend, Group 1 of the Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship continues on Sunday.

With two automatic semi-final berths up for grabs, the four teams - Galway, Cork, Waterford and Tipperary - will be looking to take a major step towards Thurles on 25th July.

As Kilkenny and Clare in particular look dangerous in Group 2 – on a break this weekend – last year’s semi-finalists will be wary of taking the scenic route to the last four.

Waterford vs Galway

Azzurri Walsh Park - Sunday 2pm

Live on Camogie Association YouTube channel

Waterford had their chances in the Centra Camogie League final in April, but were left to ponder what might have been as the Tribeswomen won out 0-13 to 0-11.

The Déise used home advantage to avenge a Munster final defeat against Tipperary last Sunday, and will look to set the record straight once more when the Westerners come to town.

Cathal Murray didn’t mince his words after Galway’s defeat to Cork, conceding “we were a long way off our own standards”.

A late Ailish O’Reilly goal merely put some gloss on the 0-18 to 1-8 full-time score, and Murray will know the All-Ireland champions must raise their game if they are to get back on track.

Tipperary vs Cork

FBD Semple Stadium - Sunday, 3:30pm

Live on Camogie Association YouTube channel

There were legitimate questions around Cork heading to Athenry last weekend. Ger Manley’s team answered every single one.

While Saoirse McCarthy and Amy O’Connor led the charge, they were ably assisted by the younger cohort. Orlaith Cahalane took a major step forward, and looked at home in the Rebels’ forward line.

The resounding seven-point victory over the reigning All-Ireland champions put any worries about Cork’s early-season form to bed. Is this version of Cork here to stay for the summer? The coming days will tell.

The Leesiders travel to Thurles with a pep in their step, looking to reverse Tipperary’s 1-18 to 2-9 victory in the Munster Championship at the same venue.

The Premier County were impressive in their run to provincial honours, but were bested by a strong Waterford side last weekend.

Seven points from play were all that Tipp could muster on Suir-side last Sunday, in their 0-16 to 1-10 defeat. James Heffernan’s team know another defeat will see their top-two hopes hanging by a thread.