National League Camogie Division three group one

Tyrone v Wicklow

Saturday, Arklow, 2pm

“Tyrone are in a very good position as they swing into the national league this weekend.”

That’s the view of coach Declan Sherlock who has overseen the preparations for a new season with more than a handful of new exciting players eager to make a mark.

The Red Hand side struggled through 2019. Neither the league or championship provided much in the way of joy but the winning of the all Ireland minor C title was a high point, a massive achievement and indeed the perfect foundation for this new look senior squad.

Many of that team are preparing for another crack at that series later in the Spring but for now it’s the start of the division three group one campaign that’s in their sights.

Sherlock is buzzing.

“The way the younger players have settled into the cut and thrust of inter county camogie is a breath of fresh air.

“For many, last weekend’s challenge game with Armagh was their first taste of senior inter county camogie but they done well, of course there was the odd error here or there but it was about getting them into the game”

The half backs and forwards played well last weekend against the Orchard side, but after a good pre-season they head to Aughrim on Saturday focused on seeing off the challenge of Wicklow.

That will be a tough start according to the coach.

“It is a tough away trip but sure the girls will be up for it.

“We have a good mix of the younger girls coming in as well as the more experienced players like Cathy Jordan.”

Sherlock added that the success of that minor team and their transition into the senior squad is vital for the future of camogie,

“Reagan Fay, Shan Fitzgerald, Meaghan Clarke, Ciara Donnelly and Amy Barrett are all going well. The whole group have natural talent; Sinead McGeary, Roisin McErlaine and Aine McNulty are all going to make an impact too. Tyrone camogie’s in a good place.”

The quality of the players coming through is only half the story and the soft spoken development coach who was part of the set up last year was eager to point out that those established names like Jordan are key to the progression of the youngsters.

“They certainly are. It’s easy to be in transition but leadership from the older players, players who have been here for a while will be critical if we are to make an impact in this division.”

The return to the national league was a big step forward again for the game in the county.

The game continues to evolve. The strongholds remain steadfast in their promotion but the great work at Carrickmore, at Greencastle and Omagh is not going unnoticed as players from those clubs are making great strides at underage and senior inter county level.

Tyrone face Wicklow at Aughrim on Saturday afternoon, then they will go on to play Offaly, Roscommon, Cavan and Limerick.

On the back of their league run they face a trip to the Treaty girls on the 23rd up next, for now though the focus is on Wicklow.

“We head there focused on getting of to a winning start. We have a good squad and the preparation has been good too.”

Camogie National League Division

Division three group one

Cavan V Limerick

Suunday, Kingspan Breffni Park, 2pm

A one point loss, or was it, for Limerick on the opening weekend of the league season. There was confusion at the end of their clash with Tipperay with the referee confirming a draw. Everyone else felt Tipp had the win. A call will be made by Central council this week. Whatever the outcome Limerick make the trip North this weekend to tackle Cavan.

There’s an air of expectation in Cavan camogie this year. Erinn Galligan will captain the side with Shanise Fitzsimons the vice Captain.

The side have enjoyed their pre-season build up but there is no getting away from the fact this will be a massive test.

Limerick have quality and experience and while Cavan have plenty to bring to the table it perhaps could not be a tougher opening.

Camogie National League Division three group two

Carlow Armagh

Sunday, Netwatch Training Centre, Fenagh, 2pm

Armagh are making progress. There was underage success for the Orchard county last year and younger players are knocking on the door ahead of this national league campaign. Carlow are the opposition this weekend . Both teams will want to make a mark this year, that underage success is a boost to the Orchard cause but perhaps it will take time to nurture these young players.

Camogie National League Division three group two

Clare V Down

Sunday, Meelick, 2pm

The Mourne-girls head to Clare this weekend, their opponents enjoyed a 2-7 to 1-3 win over Offaly on the opening weekend but they will find a well drilled Down with high scoring Niamh Mallon one of several scoring threats.