Clann Eireann captain Niamh Henderson requires no reminding that her team face a difficult assignment when they will have home advantage against Connacht kingpins Kilkerrin-Clonberne in the Semi-Final of the All-Ireland Ladies’ Football Championship on Sunday.
The Orchard County side might have had a relatively straightforward passage against Cavan champions Lurgan in the Ulster Championship decider (2-17 to 2-8) but the Kilkerrin-Clonberne side are expected to pose a much greater threat to their opponents’ drive to reach the All-Ireland decider.
It was skipper Henderson who gave an inspirational display in masterminding her team’s win over Lurgan but she is conscious that they will now come under rather more pressure.
While the very capable Henderson led the scoring against Lurgan, it was nonetheless a coherent team effort that ultimately took the Clanns into the All-Ireland last-four.
Clodagh McCambridge, Aoibhinn Donohue, Cait Towe and Maebh McCambridge were other players who stepped up smartly to the mark in that game and more will be required from them.
Kilkerrin-Clonberne have gained in experience over the course of recent seasons and they are certain to ask big questions of the Ulster champions.
In Lisa Murphy, Eva Noone, Louise Ward and Siobhan Divilly the Connacht champions boast a quartet of extremely capable players while the team as a whole will be keen to bring their positive approach and ability into play in order to snap up scoring chances.
Meanwhile, Donegal side Downings showed impressive form in winning the Ulster Junior Championship title and on Sunday they will have home advantage when they meet Leinster champions Kilcock (Kildare) in the All-Ireland Semi-Final.
Siobhan Divilly is out to prove the undoing of Clann Eireann
Downings have chalked up some impressive wins of late and while Kilcock impressed in surging to the Leinster title, home advantage should help the Ulster side.
On the camogie front, Loughgiel have been handed a difficult assignment against Galway and Connacht champions Sarsfields in the All-Ireland Semi-Final on Sunday at Breffni Park, Cavan (2.00pm).
Loughgiel have been showing convincing form of late and that is perhaps just as well given the formidable reputation which Sarsfields will take into the fray for this clash.
While Loughgiel have looked comfortable to date, they may find Sarsfields difficult opponents because of their pace and unrelenting commitment even when the chips are down.
Three other Ulster teams will be in the title hunt this weekend and the hope is that some silverware might just come north.
Tyrone side Eglish will meet Galway team Ahascragh-Caltra in the All-Ireland Intermediate Semi-Final at Kinnegad (2.00pm) and the Red Hand County representatives will be looking to the inspirational Leanne Donnelly to fire up their quest for an All-Ireland Final place.
And Armagh side Granemore will clash with Oran (Roscommon) in the Semi-Final of the All-Ireland Club Junior A Championship at Ballyshannon, while in the Bridie McMenamin Shield Final Carrickmore will carry Tyrone’s hopes of success on their own ground against a strong Greenlough side (1.00pm).