Dowds relishing Antrim test against Waterford

Antrim camogie manager Elaine Dowds expects a "very competitive" performance when her side takes on Division 1A leaders Waterford on Saturday [13:00 GMT].

The Saffrons host the unbeaten Déise in Ballymena, knowing they face one of the strongest teams in the competition.

Dowds admits the task will be difficult but says Antrim travel into the game buoyed by their impressive 2-10 by 1-11 victory over 2025 league champions Cork a fortnight ago.

Goals from Nicole McAtamney and Aimee Ferris helped secure a memorable victory away from home against last year's All-Ireland finalists and provided a significant lift for the squad.

"The Cork team was by no means weak – it certainly wasn't – but it didn't have the big names that everyone knows from the All-Ireland final," Dowds said.

"But at the same time, we just turned over Cork. The girls are absolutely buzzing but I think they're more buzzing about how they played. Their work-rate was exceptional and so many of the targets we set were met and surpassed.

"Those girls were so proud of their performance and rightly so."

Waterford will present another stern test, but Dowds insists Antrim will approach the game with belief.

"Waterford have put out very strong teams in the last two games and they look to be very focused on and capable of winning the league. But the win over Cork has definitely buoyed us and given us a lot of belief.

"We are confident we can go out and be very competitive against Waterford.

"I believe that we can beat Waterford on Saturday, but irrespective of the results, this speeds you up, it puts you under pressure and it improves your decision making."

'It was unfinished business'

Dowds' association with Antrim camogie stretches back decades.

The Dunloy native represented the county for more than 20 years after first receiving an under-14 jersey as an 11-year-old. She later won All-Ireland intermediate medals in 2001 and 2003 before ending her senior career in her early 30s due to a knee injury.

Coaching followed naturally, with Dowds part of the management team alongside Paul McKillen and Jim McKernan, who guided Antrim to the All-Ireland intermediate title with victory over Kilkenny at Croke Park in 2021.

Following her replacement from the role in 2023, Dowds spent time working within Dublin's backroom team and managing Slaughtneil before returning to the Antrim job last year.

"What happened in 2023 was wild. For me, it was unfinished business [which motivated my return]," she said.

"I didn't come back for stats or validation but for the players. They deserve fairness, honesty, integrity and belief in them."

Antrim slipped out of the top tier during her absence but regained promotion last season.

Now back among the elite, Dowds believes the experience of facing the strongest teams will help accelerate the squad's development.

"We're very realistic about where we are," she added.

"There's a gap between the top teams and the rest, but these games speed you up, put you under pressure and improve your decision-making."