Young skipper O'Dwyer looks to inspire Tipp on the double
Off the back of a disappointing Munster final defeat to Cork, Tipperary get an opportunity to shake that off quickly when they begin their All Ireland Championship campaign this Saturday against Meath at the Ragg at 5.00pm.
Meath have made great strides in recent years, moving through from Junior to Intermediate, and are now at the highest level after defeating Cork in last years intermediate final.
The Royals didn’t do well in their first senior league campaign but Tipperary captain Orla O’Dwyer says her side can’t read too much into that.
“It’s great for camogie to see a new team in senior,” she began.
“We will have the greatest respect for them and plan to come out on top – we know they will be looking for a win but we will too on the day’.
Overall it’s a tough championship ahead with Tipp also group with Offaly, Dublin, Wexford and All Ireland champions Cork with the top three progressing to the knockout stages, but the young Tipp skipper is optimistic as ever.
“We will respect every team. I think most people will expect Cork to come out on top. After that it’s anyone’s guess. There’s very little between ourselves and Wexford who we have had a few real battles with over the past few years. They had a good league campaign – beating us (only just) and coming close to Cork and Galway.
“Dublin are an up and coming team – they were in the All-Ireland semi-final last year against Kilkenny. I am sure they hope to make an impression again this year.
“Offaly are a good side too – they are knocking at the door for the past few years. They will be hoping that this is their year to get a bit closer to the top also. They only lost to Cork in the league this year by two points.
“Having said all that, realistically I see us finishing second. I know we can get there this year and training is going very well and we hope to surprise people this year, she said confidently.
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