Roscommon aiming to build on league form

Roscommon’s Premier Junior Camogie team will be aiming to build on their run to the Very Division 3A League final when they come up against Armagh this Saturday in Lisnamult at 2 p.m..

Mary Grehan’s side start their championship campaign at a time of the year when second and third level exams need to be navigated, something she admits is a challenge. However, the former dual player feels that Roscommon can adapt to that test, maintaining that her side’s hard work earlier this year in winter conditions can prevent the ship from being blown off course.

“We played very well (in the league). Our first match against Tyrone was probably the toughest. We were very rusty, and we had a new team. A lot of the girls had played before, but some were playing in new positions, and some were in their first year of county. We dug in and got the win that day.

“I think we have come on so much since our first league game, skill wise, fitness wise. You can see it in the league games that they have played with their clubs. They are leading the way.

“We have spent a lot of time working on our fitness, our sharpness, and our touch. We have also tried to work on breaking tackles and giving ourselves the best chance we can,” she noted.

With six teams in the All-Ireland Premier Junior Camogie Championship, Roscommon will play Armagh, Laois, Wicklow, Louth and Tyrone. The top four teams progress through to the semi-final stages.

Although Roscommon enjoy a tricky start with Armagh and then Laois at home, Grehan is relishing the challenge. Armagh lost all their league games this spring but were operating against intermediate sides in Division 2A.

Despite Roscommon losing out to Armagh three times last year, Grehan is looking forward to the challenge and the fact that Roscommon have a trio of games at home with just two on the road.

“All of the teams we have played in the league have brought physicality. Because we were younger, we had to adjust to that. We expect Armagh to bring that physicality, and we have to match that.

“We would be hoping to get goals because goals win matches, and they lift a team. Even in the league final, we left goal chances behind us, so we need to take them.

“Having three games at home is a boost. Especially when you are travelling you have to get the nutrition right and the hydration. The county board is excellent. The girls are very well looked after.

“I think, for the players themselves, the journeys on the buses are long. Even at times this year after some of the games, the girls would have laptops out. They would have assignments due in the morning. That is the commitment they are giving.” 

A commitment Roscommon hope will lead to a long and prosperous summer.