BY ALAN RODGERS
A.RODGERS@GAELICLIFE.COM
THE championship season continues this weekend when Ulster's most accomplished camogie players will be hoping to give themselves the perfect tonic for the All-Ireland series with a good run in the provincial championship.
Derry meet Armagh while Down take on Antrim in the two semi-finals this weekend as the Ulster Senior Championship swings into action. And, hopes are high that the race for the title will produce some high class action.
Most will be forecasting a final clash between Derry and Antrim. But waiting in the wings is a Down side challenging as strong contenders.
Under the management of Veronica McGreevy and Joe Baldwin they reached the National League semi-final. The pair have welcomed the extra profile being given to the province's premier camogie silverware.
"The championship is coming at a good time before the start of the All-Ireland Championships round-robin next month. Antrim will be favourites to beat us, but we'll be working to capitalise on any mistakes," says McGreevy.
"It's important that counties are given the opportunity to compete for an Ulster Senior Championship. We have missed it in the past few seasons because of various restructuring initiatives and hopefully now the return will give camogie a new impetus.
"My view is that there should be regular games for the inter-county teams because that's the main way which players will improve. The game against Antrim will give us a good idea of how we might do in the All-Ireland Junior.
"At the moment Down are in a rebuilding process, so this is a key milestone for us because we're coming up against a buoyant Antrim," she added.
Antrim and Down will be competing in this year's All-Ireland Junior Championship while Derry have moved up to the Intermediate grade. A final clash between any of the three is likely to be eagerly anticipated.
Armagh's fortunes have declined somewhat during the past few years, although they are still expected to cause the title-favourites from Derry some problems at Coleraine on Sunday afternoon.
"Our aim will be to adjust to the pace and skill of anything Antrim throw at us," added McGreevy. "But they're a very good team and showed that by beating Offaly in the league final.
"We are missing a few players through injury, illness and exams. The players that are available are nevertheless very committed and have the ability," she continued.
The game between Down and Antrim is at Ballycran on Sunday at 1pm.
