Kilkenny ladies bowed out of the Bord Gais Energy National League last week with a disappointing defeat in Antrim. Westmeath, Roscommon, Offaly and Louth progress to the Division 4 semi finals which take place this weekend.
The Cats now get down to the serious business of preparing for the TG4 Leinster championship which kicks off on June 25/26 with a preliminary round meeting with Wicklow. Kilkenny and Wicklow have had some tense encounters in recent years with the Wicklow girls coming out on top in the 2009 League. Kilkenny recorded wins over the Garden County in the league in 2008 and on three occasions in 2007, in the National League, provincial championship, and the All-Ireland series.
Wicklow performed well in division 3 of this year’s league and have reached the semi final against Clare. If the Cats can overcome their opponents in the Leinster championship a semi final against the winners of Offaly and Louth beckons on July 3 while Carlow and Wexford contest the second semi final. The Leinster senior and junior finals take place on July 17.
The Leinster teams will have little time to get over the provincial championship as the TG4 All-Ireland series kicks off on July 24 with a mouth watering clash between Kilkenny and Carlow. The Cats will hope to repeat their league victory over their neighbours before a home tie with Louth. Two wins will see the top team qualify for the All-Ireland junior semi final while the runners up welcome New York for a quarter final at the end of August. Wexford, Offaly, Wicklow and Derry will battle it out to reach the second semi final.
Leinster under 12 blitz
Juvenile training has been progressing well and Kilkenny hope to take part in the Leinster under 12 blitz on Bank Holiday Monday, May 2. Training continues for under 12, under 13, and under 14s on Saturday at James Park at 11am and newcomers are welcome.
Inter club scene — County League
Club action kicks off this week with three league matches up for decision. In this year’s league the two junior sides, Mullinavat and James Stephens, will get plenty of action when they compete with the senior sides in the round robin stages.
The two will then contest the junior league final while the top placed senior sides will meet in the senior final. Reigning league champions Railyard face Mullinavat in the opening round while newly promoted Muckalee host Tullogher. James Stephens do battle with Freshford while Thomastown have a bye.
In round 2 next week Thomastown host Railyard while last year’s junior finalists Muckalee and James Stephens renew rivalries. Freshford host Tullogher and Mullinavat have a bye.
Clubs are reminded that times and venues must be forwarded to the county secretary to facilitate the appointment of referees for each match.
Mullinavat and James Stephens are also competing in the Leinster 13 a side league and are grouped in the southern section with Taghmon Camross (Wexford ), Crossabeg Ballymurn (Wexford ), Killeshin (Laois ), and Carnew (Wicklow ). The northern section includes Moynalvey (Meath ), Colmcilles (Longford ), Shamrocks (Offaly ), and St Patrick’s (Louth ). The top two teams in each section will contest the semi finals in May.
