Waterford manager Michael Boland has named a strong and experienced side for Sunday’s opening round of the Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship against Munster rivals Tipperary.

The Déise welcome Tipp to Azzurri Walsh Park for a 3.30 pm throw-in in what promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the opening weekend. Supporters unable to attend can watch the game live on the Camogie Association’s YouTube channel.

The clash is a repeat of last month’s Munster Senior Camogie Final, with Waterford looking to gain immediate revenge and make a winning start to their championship campaign.

Despite suffering defeats in both the National League Final against Galway and the Munster Final against Tipperary, Waterford have been among the most impressive teams in the country during the opening months of the season. Their performances have underlined the progress made under Boland’s management and reinforced their status as genuine All-Ireland contenders.

De La Salle goalkeeper Brianna O’Regan starts between the posts behind a defence that includes Tramore’s Vikki Falconer, Gailltír’s Laoise Forrest, and De La Salle’s Alannah McNulty. The experienced Clodagh Carroll, Keeley Corbett Barry and Rachael Walsh complete a solid defensive unit.

At midfield, Cappoquin duo Orla Hickey and Lorraine Bray will look to provide the platform for Waterford’s attacking game.

The forward line contains plenty of firepower, with Brickey Rangers’ Eimear O’Neill joined by De La Salle star Beth Carton and St Anne’s sharpshooter Bevin Bowdren. Gailltír’s Annie Fitzgerald, Niamh Rockett of St Anne’s, and Abbey Flynn complete a dangerous inside line capable of troubling any defence in the country.

Much of Waterford’s hopes will once again rest on the scoring abilities of Carton and Rockett, two players who have consistently delivered on the biggest stage. When both are in form, Waterford possesses the attacking quality to compete with the very best teams in the game.

The coming weeks could prove defining for this talented Déise squad as they continue their quest to secure a first-ever All-Ireland Senior Camogie title. While recent finals have ended in disappointment, Waterford remain within touching distance of the country’s elite, and Sunday’s encounter offers the perfect opportunity to make a statement.

With home advantage and a passionate Walsh Park crowd behind them, Boland’s side will be eager to begin their championship journey with a victory over one of their closest rivals.

Waterford Team:
Brianna O’Regan; Vikki Falconer, Laoise Forrest, Alannah McNulty; Clodagh Carroll, Keeley Corbett Barry, Rachael Walsh; Orla Hickey, Lorraine Bray; Eimear O’Neill, Beth Carton, Bevin Bowdren; Annie Fitzgerald, Niamh Rockett, Abbey Flynn.

Fixture: Waterford vs Tipperary
Competition: Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Senior Championship 2026
Throw-in: 3:30 pm Sunday, 7th of June
Venue: Azzurri Walsh Park

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