First-time junior finalists St Colman's will face Liam Mellows in this year's C2 Security Junior A Camogie County final in Lackagh on Sunday (4pm ).
Liam Mellows lost out to Abbeyknockmoy in last year’s decider, and although this is St Colman's first final at this level, six of the girls who played in last year's final, are now lining out for St Colman's this weekend.
Both sides are unbeaten in the run up to the final, and have met only once in the course of the year when St Colman's running out victors in the league campaign.
St Colman's overcame Sarsfields, Kiltormer and Turloughmore during the group stages and prevailed in a tightly contested semi-final with Kilconieron. Goals in the first and second halves for St Colman's proved decisive as they ran out 2-11 to 0-10 victors over newly promoted Kilconieron.
Liam Mellows have also remained unbeaten in the championship to date. They overcame Kilconieron, Cois Fharraige and Na Bridgeoga during the group stages, and required extra time in the semi-final against Kiltormer. The sides were deadlocked 0-13 to 2-7 at full time, but 1-4 in compared to Kiltormer’s 1-1 proved decisive in extra time, finishing 1-17 to 3-8 winners.
It is safe to say there will be nothing between these two teams on Sunday. Liam Mellows will be looking to put the disappointment of the 2021 final behind them, while St Colman's want lay their marker down for their first year in this competition.
Senior quarter-finals
Other action sees the 2022 Windows and Rooflights LTD Senior quarter-finals taking place with third placed team in Senior A, Mullagh, taking on second placed in Senior B, Carnmore.
Mullagh, who won three of their five group games will be favourites, but Carnmore - the current Senior B League champions - nothing to lose. The game takes place in Loughrea on Saturday at 2:30pm.
It will be followed at 4pm when fourth placed in Senior A, Athenry, take on first placed in Senior B, Davitts. Athenry, who overcame Ardrahan and Craughwell in the group stages and also ran Sarsfields close in the opening decider, are likely favourites. However, a youthful Davitts' outfit, with some notable names from Galway’s intermediate success - such as Katie Anna Porter and Ciara Hickey - cannot be written off.
Intermediate quarter-final
The 2022 Duanes Hardware Intermediate Championship quarter-finals also take place when Ahascragh Caltra take on Killimor on Friday evening under lights in Mullagh at 8pm.
Killimor, who were relegated down from senior last year, will be looking to make their way back up to senior camogie again, while Ahascragh Caltra, who were beaten by Kinvara in last year's semi-final, will be looking to progress after mixed performances in the group stages.
In the second semi-final, Shamrocks take on Pearses in Tynagh on Saturday at 5pm. Shamrocks only lost to Salthill Knocknacarra during the group stages, and this youthful side will be keen to book their place in the county semi-final again this year. Pearses, who have the 2019 Player of the Year Niamh Kilkenny playing for them, have had a mixed campaign to date, but the level of experience throughout the team may help them to get over the line.
