Your weekend camogie match-by-match previews

Meanwhile, there is a full round of action in Divisions 1A, 1B and 2A, as well as semi-finals for Divisions 3A and 4.

At present, after three rounds, there are four teams level on six points at the top of Division 1A (three points for a win). With each having lost a game, they are separated by score difference with Waterford currently top.

The first two teams will play in the League final and Kilkenny, on three points are still in contention ahead of Round 4, with one victory giving them three points. Clare are in relegation trouble after losing all three ties.

SATURDAY, MARCH 23

VERY CAMOGIE LEAGUE DIVISION 2B FINAL

Cork v Tipperary, Abbotstown Pitch 1, 2pm

Referee: Martin Molloy (Wicklow)

Live on Camogie YouTube

This was a very competitive division that went right down to the wire, with Cork, Tipperary, Galway and Wexford in contention for the coveted final berths entering the last round.

Cork beat Clare comfortably to cement their slot, despite having lost earlier on to Wexford. The Yellowbellies were unable to follow up though and were defeated by Galway but Tipp held off the westerners by eking out a draw against Kilkenny. Defeat would have seen them miss out on score difference to the Tribeswomen.

It is hard to gather too much evidence from the prior meeting between the teams, as they got the competition under way on January 27 at The Ragg. The Rebels chiselled out a 1-10 to 0-9 triumph on that occasion and the only thing we can be reasonably sure of is that there will be very little between them again this time around.

VERY CAMOGIE LEAGUE DIVISION 3B FINAL

Dublin v Limerick, The Ragg, 1pm

Referee: Colm Vaughan (Cork)

Live on Camogie YouTube

Dublin topped this four-team division with a 100% record from their three ties, but they had just a point to spare over Limerick in the final outing at TU Blanchardstown.

The visitors hit the Dubs for three goals that day to keep themselves in touch despite conceding 1-14 themselves and with that sort of threat, are to be feared.

The semi-finals went the expected fashion to cement a second clash between the big two and this time, there is silverware at stake.

Both sets of forwards have been making hay throughout the campaign and whichever side learned the most from their last clash will likely edge it.

VERY CAMOGIE LEAGUE DIVISION 1A

Cork v Clare, Páirc Uí Rinn, 2pm

Defeat here would have Clare staring relegation in the face but John Carmody is looking at a bigger picture as the Banner begin a rebuilding phase with a very young squad that while suffering three defeats, has illustrated its potential in each outing.

Cork were the only team with an unblemished record until round 3, when Tipperary beat them at this venue. Their inferior scoring record saw them drop to fourth as a result, having been at the summit. While that is something they would like to improve upon and might need to, victory will be their priority with at least two of the other three teams tied on top going to lose points ahead of the final round.

VERY CAMOGIE LEAGUE DIVISION 1A

Galway v Waterford, Loughrea, 2pm

This is second playing first, pitching the team attempting to win the title for a third year in succession against last year’s All-Ireland finalists, who were promoted as Division 1B champions.

Waterford have accounted for Tipperary and Clare but were edged out by Cork, while Galway got off to a good start against Clare and then bounced back against Kilkenny a fortnight ago, having been turned over by Tipp. Something’s got to give here but a victory for either side will put them in a strong position of making the top two with a game left to play.

VERY CAMOGIE LEAGUE DIVISION 1A

Kilkenny v Tipperary, UPMC Nowlan Park, 2pm

It wasn’t looking good for Tipperary when they lost a dour opening round tie to Waterford but Denis Kelly’s squad have shown their true colours since, defeating champions Galway and then All-Ireland winners Cork to bounce right back into contention.

Kilkenny lost by a point to Cork after a thrilling shootout by the Nore in the first round and then beat Clare but found Galway too strong two weeks ago. They must win this game to have a chance of making the final, though one imagines new boss Peter Cleere is focusing more on unearthing some new talent, with the likes of Denise Gaule and Claire Phelan not involved.

Tipp themselves are without the recently married Cáit Devane but are welcoming some other key operators back. Reaching a national final after so many near-misses in recent seasons is a definite goal for them and with Clare awaiting in their final game, a win here would put them very close.