31 July 2003 TG4 Munster Finals Preview Share this Article 0 0 0 Shares! 0 Shares! TG4 Munster Finals Pairc Ui Rinn Cork— Monday August 4th 2003 Peil Caillini OGa Kerry V Tipperary 1pm. TG4 Munster Junior Final Limerick v Tipperary 2pm. TG4 Munster Senior Final Waterford v Kerry 3.45pm. TG4 Munster Finals Preview. Waterford fancied for another title. On form displayed in the championship to date, this game should be a formality for Waterford, to add to their impressive haul of Provincial titles. Form and favouritism can be fickle and should never be taken for granted when teams line up for a Provincial decider. Waterford under the eagle eye of Michael Ryan the most successful and enduring manager in the modern era, have left no stone unturned in their bid to retain their crown and go on to take another National title. They lay pretty dormant during the Suzuki National league, but now the Deise girls have awakened from their winter slumberland and are poised to prevail. Kerry on the other hand, stung into retaliation after 10 years without a Munster Championship win, have had a winter of content. Still smarting a bit from last years Munster semi-final defeat when a late penalty denied them the draw they deserved, Kerry will be hoping that their impressive League campaign form, will return, when they need it most. In their first match of the round robin series they were soundly beaten after travelling to Waterford, indeed their 9 point reverse, was even glossed over by the fact that they scored 2 late goals, must be a serious concern for manger Robbie Griffin. He has a talented but very inexperienced panel at his disposal. Their hard winter workload, which saw them unluckily lose to Laois in the league final by a point, could have taken its toll. Young players can be very resilient and with the free scoring Geraldine OShea to lead them. they can be hopeful. They were impressive in stages against Cork in the winner take all battle and while they opened up a 7 point gap early in the 2nd half they were fortunate to survive by a point. The 2nd half performance against Cork is another cause for concern and if Kerry are to make a meaningful challenge they will have to tighten up in defence, because Waterford contain a sextet of forwards that can be all match winners on any given day. Linda Wall, Martina ORyan, Rebecca Hallahan, Aoife Murphy, Mary ORourke, Aine Wall. They have a powerful midfield partnership of Mary ODonnell and Julie Torpey with attacking half backs who love to come forward. Strong points Kerry too have their strong points, but have they as many as Waterford? that is the burning question, but what they appear to lack in quality compared to Waterford, will have to compensated by intensity. It will take all out non stop action for the hour if they are to be in with a shout. They will also be without one of their most skilful forwards Kacey O Driscoll, who is currently starring for the Irish soccer team in the Youth Olympics. Apart from Geraldine OShea they do have lively forwards in Patrice Dennehy Noreen Fealy . Much will depend on the form of Sarah OConnor their star defender in the league but struggling with injury , she has been selected at corner forward, but if fully fit, no doubt will be utilised in a pivotal role in defence. The fact that the losers progress to the quarter finals through the new backdoor system will lessen the pressure, but one thing in certain both teams will be giving it everything and while Waterford will be overwhelming favourites it all depends on who performs on the day. Hopefully it will be a cracking final one worth of such an occasion. TG4 Junior final.Tipp and Limerick to be close. This is a game that has the makings of a thriller. Both Limerick and Tipperary have been working hard for the past number of years to, reach the higher echelons. In the early days of the Association Tipperary were a match for the best, but have fell on o lean times in latter years. Limerick have been making steady progress but have been thwarted by Cork on a number of occasions. In their final league game they played exceptionally well to score a fine win over the rebels. Tipperary also had their closest cal apart form Limerick form the Cork girls who reached the Div 3 final of the Suzuki National League. Going on that line of form there should be little between the sides. Tipperary are strong physically, but Limerick with the free scoring Dymphna OBrien in attack and a very committed Meabh Nash, to marshal their defence, will be hard to stop. Under 16 All-Ireland semi-finals Saturday August 2nd. Cork V Galway at Mungret Limerick 3pm Dublin v Cavan at Navan 3pm Share this Article 0 0