Royal to ref camogie final

Meath's John Pender has been confirmed as the referee for the Foras na Gaeilge All-Ireland camogie final on September 18.

Perennial rivals Tipperary, who are gunning for a three-in-a-row, and Cork will contest the Croke Park decider with the Round Towers, Clondalkin clubman in the middle.

Pender, the first Meath man to referee a senior camogie final since 1933, said: "To officiate at an All-Ireland senior final is something that all referees aspire to and to get such an opportunity is just great. I am delighted with the honour."

Armagh's Una Kearney, a regular on the camogie circuit and last year's senior official, is to take charge of the junior final between Dublin and Clare on September 18.

Neither Dublin or Clare have claimed the New Assurance Cup since the early 1980s, but the Banner women contested the 2003 final and manager Francis McMahon is hoping that experience can work in his side's favour.

"We are in the fortunate position that we have a number of players in the squad from the 2003 final thus providing us with a good blend of experience. But we've also introduced some new players and these players have blended in well for us," said McMahon of the only Clare side to reach an All-Ireland final in 2005.