Galway ladies do county proud in league final

Cork 3-8

AN enthralling contest last Saturday ensured Galway and Cork must do it all over again after this National Ladies Football Division One League Final finished all square.

In a display of positive counter-attacking football, the ladies showed how attractive Gaelic Football can be when played in the right manner and the teams will meet again on Saturday (7.30pm) in Portlaoise.

Late points from Tracey Leonard and Lorna Joyce ensured the Tribeswomen another day out, but Galway had chances to settle the matter earlier even though they were also relieved at the finish to get a second chance.

Kevin Reidy’s team matched the All-Ireland champions and took the blow of three goals. Even though nerves played a factor in their first half performance, the second 30 minutes, especially the third quarter, showed that the Connacht champions are well equipped for an assault on the Brendan Martin Cup in the summer.

Indeed, Galway opened the scoring in the opening minute with a good kick from Barbara Hannon before Rena Buckley replied for Cork within 60 seconds. Positions meant little to both teams who made maximum use of their players’ mobility with every breaking ball contested before defences attacked hoping to expose space for their forward division.

For Galway, Leonard was their star performer bagging six points from play and she sent over her first in the eighth minute.  A second two minutes later made it 0-3 to 0-1, but while the maroon and white were equally impressive in possession, they tended to over elaborate within sight of the posts.

Cork’s defence were back to make the task harder but Galway’s forwards looked reluctant to gamble a shot (Leonard aside) and as the first period carried on, some desperate attempts went wide of the target.

Valerie Mulcahy kicked a free for Cork on 11 minutes before finishing off a quick attack 60 seconds afterwards to level the sides again. Subsequently the Rebels’ ruthlessness in building their tally was shown before the quarter hour.

Again, it started in defence with a Galway attack breaking down. Marie Ambrose fed Briege Corkery who went running down the centre. Getting to midway, she sent the delivery into captain Ciara O’Sullivan. The ever alert Mulcahy was on hand for the one-two and O’Sullivan flicked to the net for Cork’s opening goal. When Mulcahy pointed another free in the 16th minute, the Munster side led 1-4 to 0-3.

Full report in this week's Connacht Tribune.