PREVIEW: Tipperary Junior camogie team get ready for final four clash with the Rossies

This Saturday the Tipperary junior team led by joint captains Cainnait Walsh (Eire Og Annacarty)  and Claire Stakelum (Holycross Ballycahill) will contest the Glen Dimplex All-Ireland semi-final in Ashbourne GAA. 

Tipp are the first game of a double header with the second game between Clare and Armagh throwing in at 2pm. Armagh were beaten finalists in 2022 while winners Antrim needed double extra time to beat Clare in last year's semi final meaning it’s fair to say that Tipperary avoided the two top contenders in the semi-final draw. 

Instead they are facing a Roscommon team that came second in their group behind Clare with wins over Louth and Tyrone before beating Limerick in the quarter final. Beating Limerick will know doubt give Roscommon a real boost going into Saturday’s  game. Tipp haven’t had a competitive game since the end of June where they were impressive winners away to Cavan beating the home side 3-14 to 1-9. 

The Cavan victory came on the back of a big win over Wicklow and a successful Munster campaign so results have certainly been going the way of David Sullivan’s side. With a full panel to choose from, good results in recent challenge games plus plenty of competition for places Tipp can be quietly confident going into the tie. 

However having watched Roscommon’s quarter final win the Tipperary management are keenly aware of the strengths and talents in this Roscommon side. 

According to the Lorrha native Roscommon have one of the ‘best players in the Junior championship in Shauna Fallon’. The main player for Roscommon she finished with 12 points in the Limerick game with 6 from frees and 6 from play. 

If Tipperary are to advance to this year’s final she will certainly need stopping. Aside from Fallon Sarah Dooley at wingback is a standout player while their midfield pairing of Orla Connolly and Rachel Fitzmaurice were excellent in the quarter final. 

For Tipperary Jean Kelly has lit up this year’s championship with a feast of goals in both their opening games. Clodagh Horgan has always contributed very well to the scoreboard while Lisa Cahill, Cinnait Walsh and Ciara McKeogh have worked very well in defence.