SATURDAY
Division 1, Group 1: Clare v Offaly, Whitegate GAA, 2pm; Kilkenny v Dublin, John Locke’s GAA, Callan, 2pm.
Division 1, Group 2: Cork v Wexford, Cork Camogie Grounds, 2.00pm; Tipperary v Galway, The Ragg, 2.00pm.
Clare v Offaly, Whitegate GAA, 2pm (C Egan, Cork)
Having pushed Kilkenny all the way in the opening fixture Clare will take heart from their first performance of the year, despite coming out the wrong side of the result.
Amy Keating bagged 0-5 in that match and her county will be hoping for another clinical display when they face Offaly on home turf this weekend.
A two-point defeat on the road was a hard one for Offaly to deal with as Limerick managed to claim the spoils. This will be Offaly’s second away fixture in succession and they need points on the board to keep the pressure at bay.
Verdict: Clare
Kilkenny v Dublin, John Locke’s GAA, Callan, 2pm (J Dermody, Westmeath)
The champions began their campaign with a hard-fought victory over Clare and now welcome a strong Dublin side.
Denise Gaule led by example in their opening match and the Sky Blues will be hoping for another solid performance from their star player.
Frank Browne’s troops face the most difficult of tasks in travelling to Kilkenny in what is their first game. Having had a bye last week, the Dubs will need to bring their very best to the table if they are to halt the Cats in their bid for a four-in-a-row.
Last year’s wing-back Róisín Baker will captain the side and her defensive qualities will surely be called upon to keep the clinical Cats at bay.
Verdict: Kilkenny
Cork v Wexford, Cork Camogie Grounds, 2pm (R Kelly, Kildare)
Having secured an important three points last week, Cork will be looking to add to their tally when they welcome Wexford to the Rebel county. Orla Cotter followed on from her fine form last season as she bagged herself 0-6 against Tipperary.
An eight-point defeat for Wexford wasn’t the start they were hoping for last weekend as they fell to the sword of Waterford and they face another away test this weekend. A big performance is needed if they are to take points off the All-Ireland champions.
Verdict: Cork
Tipperary v Galway, The Ragg, 2pm (E Cassidy, Derry)
Despite losing last week Tipp will take massive pride in their performance as they pushed Cork to within three points. They welcome a Galway side fresh from a bye in the opening week of matches. With stars on both sides, this will be an intriguing match-up.
Galway will be hoping to get off to a winning start on their travels. Last year’s All Star full-back Sarah Dervan will captain her county for the 2019 campaign.
Verdict: Galway
