Galway square up to league champs in camogie decider

Eoghan Cormican

THE two dominant forces in camogie come to face to face once again in the final of the National League where Galway will be anxious to atone for last September’s All-Ireland final defeat when they meet reigning champions Wexford at Semple Stadium, Thurles on Sunday (12:45pm).

Despite a few knocks and niggles picked up during the weekend’s club action, team manager Noel Finn and his mentors, Helena Huban, Peter Kelly, Noel Power and Bertie Sherlock have a full panel to choose from when they sit down to decide on the starting 15 later in the week.

Although the semi-final victory over Kilkenny marked a huge psychological boost, the management may be tempted to rejig the midfield and half-forward line, but apart from that it will be a case of as you were for Sunday’s showdown.

While the possible return of Brenda Hanney to the starting line-up will be a major boost for the attack, Galway’s main concern this week will be to iron out the defensive problems which were most evident during the first half of the Kilkenny tie.

Nevertheless, if Galway can secure a decent supply of possession, then the forward zip is certainly there with Veronica Curtin and Noreen Coen thriving on the plentiful delivery of crisp low ball in Nowlan Park a fortnight ago.

Added to this, Aislinn Connolly looked extremely comfortable in her centre forward role, while outside of the Castlegar stickwomen, minors Niamh McGrath and Rebecca Hennelly showed, in patches, their ability to cause trouble.

The wide open spaces of Semple Stadium will suit Galway’s attack, but likewise Wexford’s Katrina Parrock and Kate Kelly are also blessed with lightning speed. Parrock, in particular, will require close observation.

Speaking ahead of the final, Manager Noel Finn expressed delight at the character shown in the semi-final, adding that the injection of young blood into the panel has really increased competition for a starting berth.

“The girls showed great character to come back twice. We went three down after their (Kilkenny) second goal and then hit five without reply to come out on top.

“We’re very happy with the younger players on the panel. It’s a big step up from minor to Senior. Senior players are bringing them along as it’s daunting for them to be playing alongside the more experienced girls, but there are five of six of there and they are doing well. We have a good panel this year, probably stronger than last year.

After coming through a thrilling encounter against Kilkenny in the semi-final, with Galway scraping through on a scoreline of 0-14 to 2-7, the Westerners now face their biggest challenge in a bid to reclaim a title they last won in 2005.

“Wexford have a strong panel. It is much the same team as last year with some new players such as (Evelyn) Quigley and (Lisa) Bolger. They are a good physical side and we will need to move the ball quick,” said Finn. 

For more, read this week's Connacht Tribune.