Cork and Kerry Announce Starting Teams

The two teams have been named for the much anticipated meeting of Cork and Kerry in the TG4 Ladies Senior All Ireland semi final. The rematch of the 2012 All Ireland final is the third meeting of the two teams in this year’s championship. Kerry have won both of the previous encounters between the two sides this year but will be aware of the gradual improvements of the champions as they have progressed through the qualifiers.

Kerry are the only team in the country that have not lost a competitive match in 2013, indeed their last defeat was in last year’s decider in Croke Park at the hands of Eamonn Ryan’s Cork team. The starting XV shows one change from the team that enjoyed a thrilling victory over Mayo in the Quarter Final. Amanda Brosnan from Dr. Crokes comes into the side at wing forward taking the place of Sarah Jane Joy. Kerry will again look to the sharp shooting duo of Sarah Houlihan and Louise Ní Muircheartaigh to supply the scores but they will be able abetted by the impressive Louise Galvin. The form of Bernie Breen in the middle of the field is a key component for the Kingdom, an early shoulder injury in last year’s All Ireland Final was a key factor in deciding that match but the Kerry captain will hope to be back to her best as she goes up against Juliet Murphy.

Eamonn Ryan has named the same team as that which started against Dublin in their remarkable semi final victory where they overturned a 9 point deficit to win by 4 points. As usual Cork will look to the best half back line in the business to provide the platform for victory with Geraldine O’Flynn, Rena Buckley and Briege Corkery in top form of late. Julet Murphy’s return to form after her retirement reversal has been a huge boost to the Rebellettes and her partnership with Angela Walsh is a potential match winning duo. All 6 Cork forwards have great scoring potential with the O’ Sullivan sisters becoming more and more prominent. Possibly the most important factor for this Cork squad is the strength in depth on the sideline where the likes of Elaine Harte, Orlagh Farmer and Rhona Ní Bhuachalla could play a big role.

Throw in for this match is at 4pm in Semple Stadium in Thurles. The match will be preceded by the meeting of Fermanagh and Tipperary in the TG4 Intermediate Championship Semi Final at 2: 15 pm.