Galway book spot in another league final
FOR the sixth consecutive year, the Galway senior camogie team have qualified for the National League final after an impressive six point win over Cork on Saturday in Athenry.
The Tribeswomen’s victory saw them pip Kilkenny on points difference to book their place in the league decider where they will face off against a high flying Waterford side on April 12.
A purple patch in the second quarter against Cork saw the home teram take a firm grip on this contest, and they never looked back against the side they overcame in the All-Ireland Final last August.
Although the contest was level at 0-5 apiece midway through the first half, Galway found another gear, striking six consecutive scores to lead by 0-11 to 0-5 at half time. Cathal Murray’s charges never allowed the Leesiders back into contention thereafter.
The Tribeswomen registered the opening three points of the first half, all of which came from team captain Carrie Dolan. The Clarinbridge sharp-shooter tallied two frees and a neat score from play from the right corner. Dolan also took a free which dropped short and almost crossed the goal line, after a fumble by Cork ‘keeper Amy Lee.
Sorcha McCartan got the scoreboard ticking for the visitors with a pointed free, before Niamh Mallon sent over a good score at the other end to make it 0-4 to 0-1. Cork then had their best spell of the first half, outscoring the home side by 0-4 to 0-1.
Orlaith Cahalane (0-2), McCartan, and Saoirse McCarthy registered points for the Leesiders, while Mairéad Dillon responded with a good score for Galway during the same period. The home side then had their purple patch, tallying six points on the spin.
Scores from Niamh McPeake (two), Aoibheann Barry (two), and Dolan (two frees), pushed the Tribeswomen six ahead on the scoreboard, as Galway produced some forward play of the highest quality.
They took a six point lead into half time break and extended it to seven shortly after the play resumed. A foul on Shannon Corcoran saw Dolan point her fifth free of the afternoon to make it 0-12 to 0-5.
The Leesiders then scored three consecutive points during the next five minutes. Scores from Niamh McNabola, Orlaith Cremin, and McCarthy (free), reduced Galway’s advantage to four. Once again, however, the home side found another gear.
Murray’s charges produced more clinical score taking, with McPeake (two), Mallon, and Aoife Donohue all taking quality points from a variety of angles. The home side were in control once again, as they lead by double scores; 0-16 to 0-8.
On the day, Galway had excellent performances throughout the pitch
McCarthy pointed a ’45 for Cork, but Galway responded shortly after, with an impressive score from substitute Niamh Niland, leaving them eight point lead late in normal time. Three minutes later, Cork’s Orlaith Cahalane got the game’s only goal.
An effort on goal from McCartan was blocked by Sarah Healy, before the ball bounced around the square and Cahalane was on hand to strike to the net. Galway will feel they should have cleared the danger, but it only amounted to a consolation goal in reality.
Galway substitute Caoimhe Kelly took an impressive score from a tight angle in the left corner to conclude the scoring for the Tribeswomen. Galway’s six point margin of victory proved to be enough to overtake Kilkenny on points difference and see Murray’s charges through to another league final.
On the day, Galway had excellent performances throughout the pitch, with Ciara Hickey, Dervla Higgins, Carrie Dolan, Niamh Mallon, Aoife Donohue, Mairéad Dillon, and player of the match Niamh McPeake particularly impressive over the 60-plus minutes.
Galway: S. Healy; K. Manning, R. Black, R. Hanniffy; D. Higgins, C. Hickey, K.A. Porter; J. Hughes, C. Dolan (0-6, 0-5 frees); N. Mallon (0-2), N. McPeake (0-4), A. Donohue (0-1); A. Barry (0-2), M. Dillon (0-1), S. Corcoran. Subs: A. Lynskey for Barry (48), N. Niland (0-1) for Dillon (48), R. Kelly for Porter (56), C. Kelly (0-1) for Corcoran (56), A. Kelly for Hughes (57), N. McInerney for Donohue (60).
Cork: A. Lee; M. Murphy, L. Coppinger, M. Cahalane; A. Fitzgerald, L. Hayes, I. O’Regan; R. Harty, M. Condon; A. McAuliffe, S. McCarthy (0-3, 0-1 free, 0-1 ’45), E. Murphy; O. Cremin (0-1), O. Cahalane (1-2), S. McCartan (0-2, 0-1 free). Subs: H. Ryan for McAuliffe (HT), N. McNabola (0-1) for Harty (HT), C. Kingston for O’Regan (51), C. O’Callaghan for E. Murphy (54), D. O’Brien for M. Cahalane (56).
Referee: Ray Kelly (Kildare).