Magnificent Galway send Cats packing in capturing national title

IT was a more gripping finale than it ought to have been at Croke Park last Sunday, but the Galway senior camogie team held their nerve to end their recent persecution by the Cats in big matches. The final scoreline of 0-16 to 2-8 does scant justice to the superiority of Cathal Murray’s well-drilled charges who were in the zone from the off in overcoming a Kilkenny outfit seeking a fourth league title on the trot. Powered by the likes of defensive colossus Shauna Healy, outstanding midfielder Aoife Donohue, and impressive forwards, Niamh Kilkenny and Niamh Hanniffy, Galway produced a high-quality display to make a mockery of their outsiders’ tag. An impressive haul of eight points from placed balls by young Carrie Dolan was also critical to the outcome as captain Sarah Dervan and her team admirably fought for everything to finally shed their bridesmaid status. Sunday’s triumph now sets Galway up for a major assault on the upcoming championship when they will be attempting to end a six-year gap since the O’Duffy Cup last returned West of the Shannon.