PREVIEW: Tipperary begin their All-Ireland campaign with the toughest test possible

The Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Senior Championship gets underway this Saturday as Tipperary open their campaign with a home tie against an in-form Cork side.

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The Rebels arrive with momentum, having recorded a comprehensive win over Limerick in their opening round fixture this weekend. As reigning All-Ireland and League champions, Cork pose a serious threat to Denis Kelly’s side.

Tipperary’s League campaign produced mixed results, and they ultimately failed to qualify for the final. They responded with a solid win over Limerick in the opening round of the Munster Championship but were narrowly beaten by Waterford in the semi-final.

That game proved costly, with injury blows to Clodagh Quirke and Karen Kennedy. Quirke suffered a cruciate ligament injury and will miss the remainder of the season, while Kennedy sustained ligament damage but is hoping to return in time for Saturday’s clash.

There are also fitness concerns over Karin Blair and Clodagh McIntyre, with both players racing to be fit for the championship opener.

Cork look to be at full strength, boasting a star-studded lineup including Ashling Thompson, Amy O’Connor, Katrina Mackey, Laura Treacy, Saoirse McCarthy, and Hannah Looney.

Tipperary have added some exciting young talent to their panel this year, with Sarah Corcoran, Lucy Purcell, Caitlyn Treacy making the step up from the minor ranks. They’ll join experienced campaigners such as Róisín Howard, Caoimhe Maher, Mairead Eviston, and Grace O’Brien, who has taken over free-taking duties in the absence of last year’s top scorer, Eimear McGrath.

In goals, Laura Leenane has stepped up confidently after playing a key role in last year’s Junior All-Ireland success.
Manager Denis Kelly will be hoping for a big performance on Saturday. While a win would be a major boost, a strong display is the minimum requirement.

Tipperary are away to Wexford the following weekend, then travel to face Limerick on June 21st, before concluding the group stages at home to Clare on June 28th. The top team in the group advances straight to the semi-final, with the second and third-placed teams entering the quarter-finals.

A big crowd is anticipated on Saturday in the Tipperary County Camogie Grounds for two fiercely contested Glen Dimplex Championship games. The U23s get the action underway at 2pm against Cork, followed by the Seniors at 4.30pm.

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