LGFA Podcast: Junior All-Ireland Semi-Final Preview: One Step from Croke Park - S2 E21

Episode 21 of The Ladies Gaelic Football Podcast on FinalWhistle is the third and final special episode of the week, with the spotlight firmly on the TG4 All-Ireland Junior Championship semi-finals as the race to Croke Park reaches its penultimate stage. Host Diarmuid Kearney is joined once again by Emma Kelly, while Joanne Doonan sits this episode out as she prepares for her own All-Ireland Intermediate semi-final. Together, Diarmuid and Emma preview both last-four clashes, analysing the key match-ups, tactical battles, and storylines that will determine who books a place in Croke Park. The episode begins with Carlow against Derry at Kingspan Breffni Park. Carlow return to the Junior semi-finals for the first time in two years and are aiming to end a run of four previous semi-final defeats, while Derry have reached their first last-four tie since 2018 after an outstanding championship campaign and arrive as underdogs with nothing to lose. Ahead of the throw-in, the panel is joined by the respective team captains, Carlow's Róisín Bailey and Derry's Annie Crozier, who preview what promises to be a compelling encounter. Attention then switches to Antrim and Sligo at St Tiernach's Park, Clones, in a repeat of last year's semi-final. The same venue, the same counties, but with renewed ambitions. Antrim will be hoping history repeats itself after reaching Croke Park last season, while Sligo return determined to overturn that result and secure a place in this year's All-Ireland final. The panel also hears from the team captains, Antrim's Bronagh Devlin and Sligo's Tara Breheny, who discuss their preparations and expectations ahead of another intriguing battle. From tactical developments to defining moments and emerging narratives, the panel brings insight from both the dressing room and the press box as the championship season reaches one of its biggest weekends. Full fixtures, results, and tables are available throughout the campaign on FinalWhistle.ie. Expert analysis, player perspective, and everything you need to stay across the TG4 All-Ireland Championships, all at the Final Whistle.