5 time All Ireland Champions Pearses make their 1 st championship outing at 4.00pm , where they face the Athenry youngguns whose sights are firmly on championship victory this year. The Athenry side who suffered an eight point defeat in the Bus Eireann League final at the hands of Davitts, have struggled to find form upfront with Therese Maher reverting to a defensive role where she has excelled for both Club and County. The travelling Darelle Coen is a loss to this side, however their enthuasism and fitness may just be enough to see off the Pearses challenge. With 3 of Galways minor line out, youth is definitely on their side and they will be eager to overcome the might of Pearses for the 1 st time in a championship tie in recent years. The Ballymacward girls have a side overflowing with talent, that is without question, the concern is whether they can ressurect the genius and will of old, this being the key to whether they can impress in this years championship. Senior County players Lorraine Lally, Aine Hilary, Orla Kilkenny with sister & Co Minor star Niamh should have the freshness and fitness to contend with Athenry, and much will hang on the shoulders of the experienced half back line, as well as the form of County Camogie Manager Sharon Glynn, who has lead this team to numerous triumphs in the past.

Bus Eireann League Champions Davitts and current title holders, begin the defence of their county title at 5.30pm also in Duggan Park where they face their near neighbours Killimor, who have many additional players in their fold this year.

Transferrals by Mairead Geoghegan, Elaine Tannian and Karen Ryan have added some flair to this East Galway side, who also have All Star Ann Marie Hayes, Brenda Hanney and the talented Susan Keane to choose from. Many of the Galway Junior panel are part of both the Killimor and Davitts makeup, which will no doubt increase the competitive edge in this encounter. Davitts have a quality team and panel, mainly due to their continous success at underage level, providing a constant feeder to their adult teams. Clares Deirdre Murphy has also been a huge addition to the side for the past few years, while Senior players Ailbhe Kelly and winger Lourda Kavanagh are currently two of most in form players in the country, and one would expect Killimor to struggle with their astuteness. Caroline Kelly, Lizzie Flynn, Phyllis Hayes and Linda Gohery have been regular performers for this club and it is difficult to see Killimor overcoming this star studded Davitts side.

Meanwhile on Friday evening, Kinvara ladies take on Mullagh in Group 1, the venue Bullaun at 7.30pm . Last years semi- finalists, Kinvara have not reached a county final since attaining Senior status some years ago and will be looking to Elaine Burke, Sinead Keane, Emma Kilkelly and star shooter Veronica Curtin to curb this Mullagh side. Mullagh, who had a very disappointing league run, will be eager to better their league performance where they suffered a 25 point league defeat, with youngsters Aisling Hobbins and Ally Clarke likely to make senior debuts for their club side. The return of Imelda Hobbins will give the Mullagh girls an added bonus while Sinead Cahalan ,Colette Glennon, Sarah Dervan and Colette Hardiman will provide much of the spinal strength for this team. Predictions are wins for Athenry, Davitts and Kinvara by a thread, although a walk in the park is not likely for any of these three sides.

A full round of Junior A and Junior B championship fixtures also takes place this weekend.

Full Senior Championship Fixture List >>>