Laois Camogie manager John Desmond is hoping for a ‘big performance’ from his side as they go for a place in the All-Ireland intermediate camogie final this afternoon.
Desmond’s charges are up against Antrim in Inniskeen Grattans, Monaghan, at 3.15pm this afternoon.
Speaking on the LaoisToday Talking Sport Podcast earlier this week, the Cork native told host Steven Miller how the mood in the camp is very good following their dramatic comeback victory against Kerry last weekend.
He said: “The mood is good and the girls are looking forward to the semi final.
“The final is lightyears away for us – we just want to play the semi final and put in a performance.
“We have a very young team with nine U-20s and this will be a brilliant experience for them.
“They are a very young side but they are developing all the time.”
Looking ahead to this weekend, Desmond says that Antrim will be favourites but he is hoping for a big performance from his team and then to let the result care for itself.
He said: “Antrim have always been knocking around the semi finals of this competition and in 2011 they were in the final against Wexford.
“They already defeated Meath who won this competition in 2017 so we know how strong they will be.
“The northern teams are very strong. Down are developing very well too.
“So I think if we can put in a performance we will be very happy.
“We just want to go out and do ourselves justice and the result will look after itself.
“We are not fearing it and we are looking forward to it.”
When, where, what time?
It is Inniskeen Grattans, Monaghan, at 3.15pm – though like all games at the moment it’s completely behind closed doors so supporters can’t attend.
Can I watch it online?
The game is being streamed live on the Camogie Association Facebook page which you can find here. It’s free of charge. We’ll also be providing updates on our Live Blog.
What are Antrim like?
Antrim will prove tough opponents for Laois in this winner takes all clash.
They have actually won every single match that they have played so far this year.
In the league, they defeated Dublin and Tipperary – and were due to face Laois before action was halted due to Covid-19.
The Ulster side continued that impressive form in their first two rounds of championship matches and as a result qualified directly to the semi-final stages.
They defeated Carlow on a scoreline of 5-10 to 4-9 in their opening match on home soil in a high scoring affair in October before securing another positive result against Meath, winning by 1-16 to 2-9 to book their semi final place.
What way does this competition work?
Laois will face Antrim in the semi final with the victor of that game going straight into the All-Ireland finals.
Here, they will face either Down or Meath in the final.
A full explanation of how the competition works can be found here.
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