PREVIEWS: The Ragg will likely host two of the closest semi-finals in recent years this weekend

All roads lead to the County Camogie Grounds in The Ragg this Saturday for the FBD Insurance Senior Championship Semi-Finals.

First up at 11.30am is the meeting of Thurles Sarsfields and Knockavilla Donaskeigh Kickhams.

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Thurles Sarsfields, beaten finalists last year, have looked impressive so far in their unbeaten run to the semi-finals. In their quarter-final, they overcame Moneygall comfortably and boast a potent attacking unit featuring Karen Kennedy, Caoimhe Stakelum, and Lucy Purcell up front, while the likes of Aoife Dwyer, Andrea Loughnane, Emma Carey, and Leanna Coppinger have also been key players throughout their campaign.

Knockavilla Donaskeigh Kickhams booked their semi-final place after a thrilling quarter-final against Éire Óg Annacarty. The sides were level at full-time and again at half-time in extra time before Kickhams finally edged it by a single point.

Eimear Heffernan has been excellent from placed balls all year, while others to impress include Caoimhe McCarthy, Emma O’Mara, Emma Daly, and Ereena Fryday.

They will go in as underdogs on Saturday, but Thurles Sarsfields certainly won’t be taking them for granted. It’s the first-ever appearance for Knockavilla Donaskeigh Kickhams in a Senior County Semi-Final, and they’re sure to bring a huge following to The Ragg.

The second semi-final sees two great rivals go head-to-head once again as Clonoulty Rossmore and Drom & Inch meet in what promises to be another thrilling encounter.

Having lost to Drom & Inch in four consecutive county finals, Clonoulty Rossmore finally got the better of their rivals last year in the semi-final before going on to lift the county title.

They bring a wealth of experience and attacking flair to this year’s campaign, with Eimear Loughman and Courtney Ryan anchoring the defence, while Casey Hennessy, Cora Hennessy, Cait Devane, Sarah Fryday, and Eimear Bourke form a formidable forward line.

Fryday remains a constant goal threat, having scored a hat-trick in their quarter-final win over Burgess Duharra, while Eimear Bourke, who shone in last year’s county final, continues to be one of their most dangerous forwards.

Drom & Inch will be eager to turn the tables this time around. Last year’s defeat marked their first championship knockout loss in five seasons, and they will be motivated to make amends.

They boast an experienced and balanced side, with Christina Brennan at full-back and Mairead Eviston marshalling the centre-back position.

The introduction of some fresh faces, including Laurie Mullen in the half-forward line, has added new energy to their attack. Up front, the likes of Niamh Treacy, Mary Bourke, Miriam Campion, and Eimear McGrath give Drom & Inch plenty of scoring options.

There will be fascinating battles all over the pitch as these two sides know each other inside out. Expect an intense, high-quality contest with very little to separate them at the final whistle.