Juniors ready for action

Nine clubs will compete in this year’s Junior Camogie Championship. The competition will be run similar to the senior and intermediate competitions, with two groups; the two in each group progressing to the cup semi-finals. The third and fourth-placed teams will progress to the Hamilton Shield semi-finals.
Both league finalists, Crusheen and Feakle, are in Group 1 along with Kilmaley, Killanena and Tulla. In Group 2 are Éire Óg, Ballyea and the second string teams from Kilkishen and Sixmilebridge.
Crusheen, who lost out in last year’s final, will be hoping to go that extra step and add to the junior league title picked up in March. However, they will face competition from Feakle, who will be looking to avenge their defeat in that league final. Éire Óg, Tulla and Kilkishen played in the Munster Summer Leagues and all will have gained valuable experience from playing teams from outside of Clare.
Group 1
Crusheen v Kilmaley
Kilmaley probably would prefer anyone but the league champions in their opening game and while they will give a good account of themselves, this should go the way of Crusheen.
Tulla v Killanena
Tulla will have benefited from their experience in the Munster league however Killanena, having won the Hamilton Shield last year, will have their sights set on the Cup this year.
Group 2
Kilkishen v Éire Óg
These two sides contested one semi-final in the Division 4 Shield in the Munster League, with Kilkishen coming out on top. Éire Óg will want to avenge that defeat but Kilkishen should prove too strong.
Ballyea’s youthful side face up to Sixmilebridge, who have a blend of experience and youth. This could go either way, however, the experience of the ’Bridge girls should shade it.