Galway women come up trumps in league final

Galway 2-15

Cork 2-12

ANOTHER dominant first half display last Sunday set Galway a platform for success as goals for Niamh McGrath and Molly Dunne helped the Tribeswomen to a first national camogie league title since 2005.

Before Niamh Kilkenny got to walk the steps in Thurles, Tony Ward’s charges did have to withstand a second half onslaught from the All-Ireland champions, But having gone six games unbeaten this spring, Galway are in perfect position ahead of an attempt on Cork’s reign in the summer.

Ahead of the National Hurling Final, the rain rescinded before throw-in as Galway looked to build on wins over Wexford and Kilkenny. Likewise, Cork were hoping to maintain a 100% record from five games and opened the scoring in the first minute from an Orla Cotter free.

Galway equalised in the third minute in a three player move that was an indicator to their first half approach. Starting with Heather Cooney in defence, Kilkenny and Molly Dunne were involved before Niamh McGrath pointed from play. The sight of McGrath at full pacfe was another sign of the training ground work being done by the Galway management as they aim to have a fit and mobile attack for the championship.

Briege Corkery delivered her usual work rate for Cork and put them back ahead in the 5th minute.  But after Orlaith McGrath regained possession to point from the left two minutes afterwards, the sides were level again.

Galway were threatening and a major looked imminent. Another Corkery attack in the 10th minute broke down and Shauna Healy took the sliothar. The Ardrahan centre back began a sweeping move that involved Ann Marie Starr and Dunne.

Kilkenny took play before passing three opposing defenders to pick out Niamh McGrath who handpassed to the net. Galway had the lead and further points for Orlaith McGrath and Ailish O’Reilly made it 1-4 to 0-2 on 13 minutes.

Cotter stopped the rot for Cork with another free but Galway were in full flow as Niamh McGrath (2) and O’Reilly stretched the margin, but Orlaith McGrath had to come off for a knee injury in the 17th minute.

Full report in this week’s Connacht Tribune.