National Camogie League – Semi-Final
Armagh vs Carlow
Saturday 12 June – Donaghmore, Ashbourne – 2.30pm
Carlow stand between Armagh and a place in the second division as the Orchard County hope to nail promotion this weekend.
A place in the Division Three league final awaits the winner against either Wexford or Limerick who compete in the other semi-final.
Mattie Lennon’s Camogs have played some great stuff in their two outings so far this season and will look to cap those performances with promotion.
Armagh dominated Down IIs in the opening round of the league, rattling the net five times during the encounter.
With Offaly dropping out of the competition, Armagh and Wexford faced off to decide who would top the group.
The Yellow Bellies travelled to Pearse Og Park two weeks ago and the sides put on a thrilling contest that could have gone either way.
The Model County prevailed by the minimum of margins, but it was the encouraging performance that would have pleased Lennon most.
The return of Michelle McArdle and Collette McSorley has added some quality, experience and strength in deep to an already solid squad.
Both were sprung from the bench the last day out and gave good displays that could earn a starting berth this weekend.
Leanne Donnelly continued her fantastic form as she drove her side in the opening period and has hit 1-4 in the first two rounds.
Her sister Ciara is the team’s top scorer with 4-10 to her name, all four goals coming in the first round win against Down.
Orlagh Murray was also terrific against Wexford at full-forward and chipped in with three points from play.
Eimear Hayes has been a great addition to the team this year and will most likely pick up the number six jersey once again.
Louise Toner missed out the last day but could return to the Armagh defence this weekend and find a spot in that half back line.
Carlow finished top of Division Three’s Group Two, with wins over Waterford and Clare and a draw with Limerick.
One to watch will be the free-scoring wing half forward Eleanor Tracey, who has been in fine form so far in the league.
Not only Carlow’s top scorer, but also the divisions, Tracey has tallied up a personal haul of 2-25 across three league games.
One of her late goals helped her side get past Clare in the last round while Eve Sinnott also hit the net in that 2-17 to 2-8 victory.
The Carlow attack has notched up six goals in three games, so Armagh will be wary of the goal threat they present.
Lennon’s side know where the posts are as well and will see this as a massive opportunity to push on from last season and gain promotion to the second division as well as reaching another national final.
