Offaly to face Antrim in All-Ireland semi final

Offaly will take on Antrim in the Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Camogie Intermediate Championship semi-finals after overcoming Carlow yesterday at the quarter final stage.

Offaly secured a comprehensive 3-18 to 2-9 victory in Glenisk O'Connor Park to book their place in the last four.

Goals were the key as Offaly secured Division 2 success in the Very League earlier this season and they were at it again when shaking the net twice in the opening two minutes to rattle Carlow and set sail for the last four of the intermediate championship with 12 points to spare at Glenisk O’Connor Park.

Kate Pilkington raised the first green flag after just 27 seconds, having been set up by Mairéad Teehan and it was Teehan who grabbed the second, pouncing on a loose ball to finish from close range.

Carlow replied positively well with an Aimie Nolan goal but the dismissal of Leah Ryan was a blow and Niamh Sheehy goaled to leave it 3-5 to 1-4 at the change of ends.

The hosts had the wind in the second half and were happy to use it to keep the scoreboard ticking over as Ciara Maher, Mairead Teehan, Sheehy, Fianait Dooley and Grace Teehan split the posts.

Eleanor Treacy slotted some nice points from frees for Carlow and Nolan scored her second goal with a powerful shot but there was no catching the Faithful, who now taken on group winners and Division 1B League champions Antrim for a place in the decider.

Offaly now play Antrim in Newbridge on Saturday next, July 12, with a place in the All-Ireland final on August 10, and senior status at stake.

Kerry meet Down in the other semi final.