Camogie champions Kilkenny face Waterford in opening round

All-Ireland senior camogie champions Kilkenny will begin the defence of their title in 2017 against neighbours Waterford.

The Liberty Insurance All Ireland championship draws, which were made in Dublin yesterday evening, have thrown up some interesting pairings, including that of defeated finalists Cork against fellow Munster side Tipperary in their opening round match.

After years of heartbreak, Kilkenny regained the O’Duffy Cup last September, bridging a gap of 22-years since current manager Ann Downey captained the side to glory. They claimed their 13th title, emerging with four points to spare over Cork. The Cats had agonizingly lost six finals in the intervening years.

Ten teams will participate in next year’s championship, consisting of two groups of five.

The first rounds will get underway in June, with the quarter-finals and semi-finals due to take place in July and August respectively.

The Déise — who were crowned All Ireland intermediate champions in 2015 — will play host to the titleholders in Group 1, a group that also includes Clare, Dublin and Galway.

In Group 2, the Premier County will entertain the Rebels, while Limerick, Offaly and Wexford complete this line up.

Meanwhile, the intermediate championship which Kilkenny also claimed this season, sees the Black and Amber drawn in Group 1.

In an all-Leinster clash, they are up against Wexford in their opening round, with Antrim, Derry, Kildare and Tipperary completing the group.

In Group 2, runners-up Cork will face Galway in the opening round, whilst the current premier junior All-Ireland champions Carlow are paired with Down in their first game at intermediate level. Laois and Meath complete the line-up.

The Liberty Insurance All-Ireland Camogie Finals at senior, intermediate and premier junior level form part of a treble header in Croke Park in September.