Galway get the job done against Wexford

Wexford 1-8

GALWAY’S senior camogie team booked their place in the semi-finals of the National League last Sunday after another strong second quarter ensured a comfortable winning margin.

Level at 0-2 apiece after ten minutes, Ollie Bergin’s charges ensured their fourth victory with an unanswered 1-7 to effectively settle the tie. Aoife Donohue was on the end of two excellent deliveries from Siobhan Coen and Laura Mitchell for two scores before she won two frees which Aoife Callanan converted.

And when another attack on 24 minutes left Mags D’Arcy no choice but to pull Donohue down, Rebecca Hennelly stepped up to send a bullet to the net before the two Aoifes added three more white flags for a 1-9 to 0-2 interval advantage.

This was a satisfying victory even if it wasn’t without its faults. Wexford may have been missing names like Mary and Una Leacy, Kate Kelly and the retired Ursula Jacob, but they still troubled the Tribeswomen on occasions and gave Galway a solid test.

That being said, the maroon and white were ruthless when seizing the initiative, management got to look at more options before the summer and the link up play continues to improve. Throw in names like Susan Earner, Molly Dunne, Ann Marie Starr and Niamh McGrath to fight for jerseys and Galway’s season has promising signs.

Rebecca Hennelly opened the scoring after just 51 seconds and the Ardrahan player would continue to produce a masterful performance at centre back. Her move to defence was the major early season talking point but she has excelled in the role and maintained her consistency in clearing ball and setting up attacks.

Behind her, Shauna Burke grows in confidence between the sticks and dealt with danger positively.  Out the field, Siobhan Coen, Shauna Healy, Emma Helebert and Clodagh McGrath were examples of players looking hungry for possession and maintaining a high tempo. And the attack, especially the two Aoifes, look determined to do damage when gaining possession.

Credit must also go to referee Cathal Egan who allowed both teams to play.  The Cork official used the advantage rule well and didn’t allow hold ups for any extended period.

Mitchell doubled Galway’s advantage with a fantastic strike from the right as the home side took time to settle. But Wexford were finding their feet and when Linda Bolger split the posts in the seventh minute, they gave Galway a few tough moments.

Chloe Fox could be the Slaneysiders’ find of the spring and she set up Stacey Kehoe but Burke saved well. Kehoe did add a point to level but a delivery from her twin sister Shelly got a touch from Fox and Sarah Dervan was placed well to ensure the ball didn’t cross the line.

Full coverage in this week's Connacht Tribune.