Wicklow clash is novel starter for Tipp Juniors
History will be made on Saturday whatever the outcome with the first ever meeting of Tipperary and Wicklow in championship camogie at The Ragg at 2.30pm.
Group 1 of the Premier Junior Championship contains only three teams with Cavan completing the trio. Saturday will be Tipperary’s opening game in the championship while Cavan and Wicklow already met on 27th May last where Cavan recorded a comfortable 7-20 to 1-9 victors.
Tipperary met Cavan in the opening round of the championship last year, suffering a one-point defeat at home. Cavan went onto to reach the All-Ireland semi-final while Tipperary failed to progress out of the group.
After losing their opening game, Wicklow travel to the Mid Tipp venue needing a victory. The Tipperary management led by Lorrha native David Sullivan have the advantage of having the opportunity to check out the opposition in their defeat to Cavan. The question remains, how much can Wicklow improve in time for Saturday. A big improvement is expected with the benefit of a championship game under their belt and time to address defensive mistakes that saw them concede seven goals.
In terms of Tipperary, having two wins under their belt in the Munster Championship over Cork and subsequently Limerick in the final, the Premier are in a good position coming into the first round of the All-Ireland campaign.
The Munster final win has given the team a boost in confidence, but all involved will be well aware that there is still lots of room for improvement.
The starting fifteen has changed in personnel throughout the campaign. Lisa Cahill will lead the defence at number 6 where she has impressed all year. Joint captain Ciannait Walsh has featured on the wing or the corner while Portroe’s Aisling Sheedy was handed the full back spot in both the Munster semi-final and final. Amy Callanan has improved with every game excelling at wing back in the Munster final.
Claire Stakelum has mainly featured at wing forward but really impressed when moved into full forward for the second half of the Munster final where she contributed two points from play. Jean Kelly picked up the player of the match award in the Munster Final and is Tipperary’s most potent forward.
Tipperary will aim to get her on possession as much as possible and hope she can carve open the Wicklow defence. A win for Tipperary will ensure at least a quarter final spot and give them a strong position heading to Cavan in two weeks’ time.