Rebels feel heat ahead of battle with Slaneysiders

Therese O’Callaghan

The Rebels suffered an alarming dip in form during their recent league campaign. However, they appear to have turned the corner following their one-point championship victory over Galway two weeks ago.

Long-serving centre back Mary O’Connor said: “We were just happy to win a game we looked liked losing for so long.

“The problem is different people are clicking on different days. We need all 15 to deliver on the one day, if we are to have a chance of beating Wexford. We met in the league semi-final and were extremely lucky to overcome them by a couple of points.

“Tomorrow is a new ball game. They are at home and that is a huge factor in this heat. We will have to spend a few hours journeying down in a bus, which is bound to take its toll.

“But all things considered, things are going very well for us. We have no major injury problems and everybody is training hard. This is a huge test for us but thankfully everything seems to be falling into place.”

Meanwhile, Wexford have quite an extensive casualty list.

The most critical is Evelyn Quigley who had a pin inserted in a broken finger earlier this week. Also omitted are Louise Codd (broken bone in hand), Avis Nolan (broken leg) and Caroline Murphy.

However, better news for the Slaneysiders is the return of Michelle O’Leary from teacher training in Wales.

Áine Codd, one of their stalwarts, says her side might be down but they are certainly not out. “We have more than our share of concerns, but we cannot afford to let it get us down. We are still very determined to pull off a win. We need to give our injured players something to fight back for.”

Elsewhere, Kilkenny will hope to rescue their season while entertaining All-Ireland champions Tipperary at Nowlan Park (3pm).

Aoife Neary is likely to revert to her familiar role in attack after lining out as a defender in the Limerick clash. Tipp are still minus injured duo Una O’Dwyer and Philly Fogarty.

The All-Ireland minor championship semi-final between Galway and Kilkenny makes for an attractive double header at the Kilkenny venue. Throw-in there is at 1.30pm.