Dolan delivers as Galway book place in league final

Cork 0-9

By Eanna O’Reilly at Duggan Park

THE Galway senior camogie team overcame All-Ireland champions Cork on Saturday in Ballinasloe to qualify for the National League final against Tipperary on April 14. Cathal Murray’s charges will travel to Croke Park with the opportunity of winning a third consecutive Division 1A title.

The Tribeswomen came through a hard fought contest against Cork on a day when their second half performance against the elements was particularly impressive. Having led by three points at half time, Galway successfully kept Cork at arm’s length, as the Rebels failed to reduce the margin below two points.

The first-half saw the visitors open the scoring when Amy O’Connor pointed a fifth minute free. Galway replied with four pointed frees from Carrie Dolan, as the home side built a lead they wouldn’t relinquish for the remainder of the game.

Cork’s Fiona Keating and Sorcha McCartan then tallied points, before Dolan landed an impressive score, under pressure on the right wing. Dolan’s fifth placed ball left Galway ahead by 0-6 to 0-3 at the interval.

Cork reduced the margin early in the second half, when Cliona Healy pointed after some good work from O’Connor. Centre back Laura Treacy was then forced into overcarrying, after some good work from the Galway forwards. Dolan pointed her sixth free to make it 0-7 to 0-4.

An excellent score from Ailish O’Reilly from the right wing saw the home side extend their lead two minutes later. O’Connor then punished two Galway fouls at the other end  to leave the score at 0-8 to 0-6 in the 40th minute.

Aoife Donohue then pointed after a good turnover by Ann Marie Starr, before Orlaith McGrath took a neat score from the left wing, after some good work by Siobhán Gardiner in the lead up.

Pictured: Galway's Siobhán Gardiner challenges Aisling Thompson of Cork during Saturday's National League encounter at Duggan Park.  Photo: Inpho/James Lawlor.