Galway's hopes of retaining minor camogie title dashed by Cork

Galway 1-11

GALWAY’s hopes of successfully retaining the All-Ireland minor camogie title were dashed last Saturday as Cork won their first ever under 18 national crown thanks to stand out performances from Laura Hayes, Saoirse McCarthy and substitute Rachel O'Regan.

The young Tribeswomen just never seemed to get a smooth run, though four unanswered points early in the second half should have been the catalyst for a winning charge. But they stayed in the tie and had fortune favoured Chloe Reilly or Niamh Horan with second half chances, the outcome could have been different.

Manager Lorraine Larkin started Siobhan McGrath at centre forward to curb the influence of the creative Hayes, but the move didn’t really pay off. Ciara O'Sullivan got Cork's first score after just 26 seconds, but after Niamh Niland was fouled on four minutes, she converted the free to level affairs.

The teams were on par six times in the opening 30 minutes thought Cork stretched clear first through Cliona Healy, Emma Murphy and Hannah O'Leary. And it could have been worse for the Tribesgirls when Aoife Hurley set up Healy only for her namesake, Galway keeper Sarah, to produce a fantastic save.

Two of Galway's three best players were Sarah Healy and full back Leah Burke who won every battle she faced. The third was Chloe Reilly who took advantage of McGrath's alertness on 13 minutes to get the Westerners back in the tie.

With Hayes and wing backs Laura Doyle and Ellen O'Regan dominating their sector of the field, Galway needed to read breaks quickly and McGrath didn't waste time when presented with a chance. The Sarsfields striker took Hayes' deflection before spotting Reilly ahead.

The Kiltormer corner forward scored four goals in her previous two under 16 finals and she rifled past Sarah Ahern. Galway needed to kick on as the gentle breeze gave signs it may increase. Niamh Horan attacked down the left before sending a sweet effort between the posts. Galway led by 1-2 to 0-4.

This group of players have made a habit of seizing the initiative at these moments, but Cork were up for this battle and were equally effective.  Cliona Healy won a foul and the long range free by McCarthy found the target to level again.

Full coverage in this week's Connacht Tribune