With the All Ireland Hurling and Football Finals moving to earlier dates there is a real opportunity for Camogie and Ladies Football to grab even more attention over the next two weekends.
Attendances of 20,000 have made it to Croke Park in each of the last two years and a strong campaign based around the theme of #GoTogether means that there are hopes of a step up again this coming Sunday
Six sides will run out at Croke Park this weekend for the Liberty Insurance All-Ireland Championships Finals.
Additional RTÉ Coverage of the knock out stages of the Senior Championship this year has served to broaden the profile of the sport to a wider general audience and there is plenty to excite about the line-ups.
Cork and Kilkenny will do battle once more in a repeat of last September’s epic Final in which the Rebels prevailed with an injury-time winning point by Julia White to claim a record 27th All-Ireland.
That was revenge for the 2016 Final in which Kilkenny bridged a 22-year gap by beating the Rebels.
The rivalry is as intense as ever this season with Kilkenny defeating Cork in the National League Division 1 Final in April – once more with just a single point separating the sides.
The day kicks off with the Premier Junior Final which sees history in the making as National League Division 3 champions Kerry take to Croke Park for the very first time in search of their first Premier Junior title.
Their opponents Dublin are aiming to avenge their disappointing Final defeat last September to claim their first Premier Junior title since 2006.
Cork will also contest the Intermediate Final. They face a Down side aiming for their first Intermediate crown with the added incentive of promotion to the Senior ranks in 2018 should they win.
“It’s been a fascinating Championship so far with some thrilling encounters and growing rivalries which will culminate on Sunday,” said Camogie Association President Kathleen Woods.
“I’m excited for what is the biggest day in the Camogie calendar and the pinnacle of any player’s career.”
“Our All-Ireland Finals in Croke Park are a wonderful occasion and the call which we’ve made to all supporters this year is to join in on the experience and to ‘Go Together’ to our Finals by bringing friends, family and new supporters with them.”
“The six teams lining out have put in countless hours of dedication and effort all year long to make it to this stage and they deserve every ounce of support they get. I urge everyone to make the trip to Croke Park on Sunday, September 9th where you’ll be in for a treat.”
“It’s been another extraordinary season of Camogie in the build-up to what will be a very special day on September 9th,” added Deirdre Ashe, Director Customer & Markets with Liberty Insurance.
Liberty Insurance renewed their sponsorship of the Camogie Association earlier this year and are strong supporters of the Championship and Women’s sport in general.
“We’ve an exciting line-up in store for everyone who attends the Finals. the return of our ‘Best Banner’ competition provides supporters with an opportunity to win €1,000 for their club.”
“We’ll be tracking Ball Speed via Hawkeye throughout the day; we have 30 flagbearers who will be involved pitchside; while our ‘Camogie Made Us’ competition sees Newmarket-on-Fergus Camogie Club from Clare and Sarsfields Camogie Club in Cork take to the pitch at half-time of the Senior Final in an effort to win much-needed funds for their club.”
“We’re looking forward to another great day out and encourage everyone to #supporthersport for this year’s Liberty Insurance All-Ireland Camogie Championship Finals.”
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Image Credits: James Crombie, Inpho.ie
