Strong finish from McNamara’s charges proves decisive against Limerick

LIMERICK 0-10

By Oisín Noone at the Prairie

FACING familiar opposition, Galway stepped up in the second half, with Leah Forde’s decisive goal giving them the edge that ultimately separated the teams in Salthill last Sunday.

Goals were at a premium in this All-Ireland Minor A camogie championship group tie, especially considering the low-scoring first half, where Limerick led 0-4 to 0-3 after 30 tense minutes. Galway struggled to find openings, with Limerick full-back Órnagh Barrett putting in a standout display in a back six which left few gaps overall.

The two teams know each other well. They recently met in a challenge match, which Limerick won, and a number of players from both sides also featured in the U-16 All-Ireland final two years ago, where Limerick edged Galway by a single point.

The teams were well matched from the start, but there was clearly a lift in Galway’s display following half-time. Top scorer Mary Brigid Cosgrove, joint-captain Emma Barrett, and substitute Lauren Morgan all shot points from play as the hosts found another level.

No wonder new manager Fintan McNamara was delighted with the second half performance. “It was absolutely brilliant. We weren’t happy at halftime, the girls even said it to themselves inside. That’s the good thing about this bunch of girls, they are honest. We knew we weren’t happy or playing the way we wanted to play.

“In the second half, they performed and Leah [Forde’s] goal was brilliant. But every part of it, it all came from back the field and the defending at the end was brilliant as well. The score at the very end from Emma Barrett was unbelievable.”

The Shannonsiders began the contest strongly, recording two points before Galway were able to get a shot off. Hazel Horgan opened the scoring before Caitlin Ryan, who tallied 0-7, knocked over her first free. Galway netminder Leah Horan, who won a Connacht Intermediate title with Killimor in November, was called into action early as Limerick dropped a few shots short.

Pictured: Galway defender Ailsha King and Limerick's Mia Smith only have eyes for the ball during Sunday's All-Ireland Minor A Championship clash in the Prairie, Salthill on Sunday.  Photos: Joe Keane.