Kildare hitting form at the right time of the year

The Kildare camogs are building up for another big game as they set their sights on a Glen Dimplex Premier Junior Championship semi-final on Saturday in Tullamore against Cavan.

Fresh from a dogfight victory against Tyrone in Dungannon earlier this month, it seems as though the Lillies are beginning to get into their stride as the championship moves into the knockout stages.

Few would have predicted their current situation in mid-June after a third straight loss left them joint bottom with Wicklow.

Since then, they responded with a 31-point demolition of neighbours Wicklow, who have since been downed to the next tier.

That day in Newbridge, albeit a one-sided affair from early on, seemed to come at a badly-needed time, as Rebecca McDermott announced herself with three goals, while Hannah Davis was brilliant in the middle of the park, along with a dominant display from the half-back line which lay the foundation for the win.

A game that will stick in the memory for a long time in Kildare camogie circles was their round 5 win against Tyrone which secured their place in the last four.

The trip to Dungannon left both teams with a very simple mission.

For Kildare, a win or draw would see them advance to a semi-final, while Tyrone needed to win or their season would be over.

In a topsy-turvy clash, the Lilywhites found a way to get the job done, with super-sub Louise Murphy to thank for her goal in the latter stages.

Looking to Saturday’s clash, Cavan have been consistent in this year’s championship, with a 100% record so far, despite some slow starts.

It is well documented that Kildare had led in two of their three first games at half-time, and one of those instances was against Cavan.

They went into the interval with a six point lead, but ended up losing on a scoreline of 1-09 to 0-16.

That has been the story of Cavan's championship, with Tyrone and Roscommon also ahead of them at half time, limiting the Breffni county to 1-02 on both occasions.

A big threat on the Cavan team will be wing-forward Róisín O’ Keefe, who has had an eye for goal this year, it’ll be interesting to see who marks her on the day.

Shanise Fitzsimons on the inside line will also need watching, while Eimear Brady has been clinical from placed balls.

In the defensive lines, Rosie Crowe-McKeever has enjoyed her return to the panel in 2026, as she leads the full-back line.

But the Lillies are also blessed with a few threats of their own, from Aoife Stynes at 10 who always pops up with a score, to the inside line of the two McDermotts and the experienced Róisin Forde from Maynooth on the edge of the square.

Their six backs seem to be nailed-on after the last few games, with Niamh Krahn’s move to wing-back proving successful, as she has even found a way to chip in with two points.

A huge factor for Kildare will be their bench, who comes on and what impact they have.

Louise Murphy definitely made an impact against Tyrone with her late goal, while Niamh Mortell could also be sprung at some stage as well as their most experienced panelist, Lea Sutton.

And as always, the midfield battle will take centrestage, with Sara Carroll and Hannah Davis the established pairing in recent games, The one interesting part of the team selection will be who lines out at 12, it’s been a changeable position in recent games, with Niamh Farrell starting against Wicklow, while Clane youngster Laura Edwards earned the jersey last time out.

Kildare will travel to Tullamore full of confidence, with manager Rob O’ Neill remarking after the Tyrone game that “we fear nobody, we’ve faced them all before”.

Analysis aside, it’s a huge game for both teams, Kildare will be eager to keep their hopes of a return to intermediate camogie alive, while Cavan look to continue their run after last year’s hiatus from intercounty camogie.

All will be revealed come 1 o’clock this Saturday in Glenisk O’ Connor Park, Tullamore.