Leinster minor and U16 Championships Reach Penultimate Stages

It’s a weekend to be reckoned with as Leinster Minor and U16 Championships reach their ultimate and penultimate stages. The action gets underway in Bunclody on Friday afternoon when Wexford face Carlow in the Minor C semi final. Wexford got their first win of the campaign last time out when they defeated Longford by 4-08 to 3-08. Carlow have won two games so far, defeating Kilkenny and Louth in the opening two rounds before a narrow defeat to Wicklow in Round Three. If both sets of forwards bring their scoring boots to Bunclody, this game is most certainly one not to miss.

On Saturday, Ballymore Eustace plays host to what promises to be an epic encounter between Meath and Dublin in the U16 A Final. Last year, the same venue hosted a titanic battle between Dublin and Kildare as the Lillies recorded an historic win over the team from the Capital. There is no doubting that this time round, Dublin will want to win the title back. They face a Royal side who boast a 100% record so far this year. The sides met in Round Two where the Royals recorded a 6-08 to 1-08 win. However, anything can happen on Finals Day and it may come down to which team wants it more with both teams boasting fine skills and ability.

In the Minor B semi-final, Ferbane GAA will host Offaly and Longford. A win against Laois and a drawn game with Westmeath was enough to see Longford through to the B semi finals. While Offaly have not yet secured victory, they have been playing games at a higher grade and this may well stand in their favour when Longford visit. In the second semi-final, Westmeath and Laois will go head to head in The Downs. The sides met in Round Three where Westmeath came away four point winners. Another close encounter is expected as a place in the Minor B Final is up for grabs.

In the Minor C semi-final, Louth host Wicklow in Clan na Gael. The sides met in Bray back in February in the opening round and this was an engaging contest from the off. Louth came away with a 6-06 to 3-10 win on that occasion, but Wicklow bounced back to win against Kilkenny and Carlow making this semi-final an intriguing prospect.

Attention on Sunday turns to the U16 Championship. In Castlemitchell GAA, Kildare will host Wexford in the B semi-final. It has been a difficult start to this year’s Championship for the Lillies as they have been defeated by Dublin, Meath and Longford. Wexford on the other hand have two wins under their belt this season, defeating Westmeath and Laois in the last two games. This semi final is most certainly up for grabs and home advantage could be key.

In the second semi-final, Offaly will take on Longford on Tuesday evening at 7:30 in Doon GAA. Longford can look to this semi-final with great optimism after acquitting themselves superbly in Group A; registering a win over Kildare in Round Two as well as narrow defeats to Dublin and Meath, the latter an injury time winner was needed for the Royals to seal victory. On the other hand, Offaly can boast a 100% record with wins over Wexford, Laois and Westmeath and will go into this semi-final full of confidence that they can book a place in this year’s B Final.

In the U16 C Championship, both games will throw in at 2pm. Westmeath will host Louth in Mullingar Shamrocks while Emo GAA will be the venue for Laois battle with Kilkenny. Westmeath defeated Laois last weekend in a refixed game to set up these semi final fixtures. Louth will surely be watching Westmeath’s scoring threat, the maroon side registered 7-09 against Laois. However, Louth have sharp shooters of their own having recorded big wins against Wicklow, Carlow and Kilkenny. Kilkenny boast two wins in this year’s campaign thus far. Wins against Carlow and Wicklow will give them plenty of confidence against a determined Laois outfit.

Leinster LGFA wish all teams competing over the next few days the very best of luck!

Leinster Fixtures: *All Games throw in at 2pm unless otherwise stated

Friday 26^th April

Leinster Minor C Championship Semi-Final

Wexford v Carlow in Bunclody GAA, Ref: R Devaney

 

Saturday 27^th April

Leinster U16 A Final

Meath v Dublin in Ballymore Eustace GAA, Ref: C. Groome

Leinster Minor B Championship Semi-Final

Offaly v Longford in Ferbane GAA, Ref: C. Forde

Westmeath v Laois in The Downs GAA, Ref: F Shanahan

Leinster Minor C Championship Semi-Final

Louth v Wicklow in Clan na Gael, Dundalk, Ref: D McKittrick

 

Sunday 28^th April

Leinster U-16 B Championship Semi-Final

Kildare v Wexford in Castlemitchell GAA, Ref: J. Doherty

Leinster U-16 C Championship Semi-Final

Westmeath v Louth in Mullingar Shamrocks GAA, Ref: J. Corcoran

Laois v Kilkenny in Emo GAA, Ref: J. Murphy

 

Tuesday 30^th April

Leinster U-16 B Championship Semi-Final

Offaly v Longford in Doon GAA at 7:30pm, Ref: P. O’Malley