St. Dominic’s aiming to conquer Connacht

St. Dominic’s will be aiming to be crowned Connacht intermediate camogie champions when they host Killimor on Sunday afternoon (throw in 1 p.m.).

John Haughey’s side avenged county final defeats in 2023 and 2024 when last month they came through a tense decider with Oran to prevail 1-7 to 2-3.

Their gained two huge prizes from winning that encounter. First, progression to the Connacht final while regardless of Sunday’s result they will also compete in the All Ireland Junior semi final against St. Peter’s Dunboyne, with that game currently scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 29 in Kinnegad.

St. Dominic’s tenacious defence laid the platform for this win with Michelle Rogers and Aimee O’Connor superb last time out. The Murray sisters – Hannah and Lilly - will be key players if St. Dominic’s are to claim provincial glory.

Meanwhile, captain Niamh Watson, who was Player of the Match in that county final triumph can trouble the Killimor defence with her marauding runs from deep. Niamh Fitzgerald, Michaela Lohan and Ciara Kilcommins are all capable of making a strong impression.

One key decision that could decide this Connacht final is who St. Dominic’s will delegate to pick up Annmarie Starr. The inter county player has won four All Ireland senior camogie titles with Galway while she also helped Killimor to the All Ireland senior camogie crown in March 2011.

St. Dominic’s may decide to put Lilly Murray up against Starr or perhaps employ another option such as Hannah Murray or Aimee O’Connor and allow Murray to sit deep in front of her full back line.

Just like St. Dominic’s, Killimor overcame losing the Galway Intermediate camogie final in 2024 as they defeated Sarsfields B 2-10 to 2-8 in their replay.

Niamh Horan produced a Player of the Match performance in that replay, helping her side come from seven points down to prevail while her free taking ensured her side earned a replay after they trailed by nine points in the drawn final.

Eimear Porter is a live danger up front while centre back and joint captain Roisin Starr provides no shortage of leadership. Goalkeeper Leah Horan has represented Galway at underage level.

Yet, St. Dominic's will relish a shit at provincial glory in Knockcroghery on Sunday.

After claiming the county Junior title, Pádraig Pearses will face Westport in the Rose Nixon semi final today (Saturday) at 2.30 p.m. on home soil.

Meanwhile, Four Roads will play Tooreen in the Pat Barrett semi final today at 5.30 p.m. That game will be played at St. Aidan’s GAA Grounds in Ballyforan.