Extra time heartache for Galway camogie team in Thurles

Kilkenny 3-15

Galway 1-19

(after extra time)

THREE goals ended Galway’s senior camogie All-Ireland championship hopes last Saturday as Kilkenny finally got over the line in a pulsating semi-final to set up a showdown against Cork next month.

Strikes from Shelly Farrell and Michelle Quilty in the first half had Ollie Bergin’s side playing catch-up before a speculative Ann Dalton sideline cut deceived everyone to find the net in extra time.

It followed a fast paced contest that looked to be over when Kilkenny led by five points, but Galway showed immense character and Ailish O’Reilly scored a terrific 63th minute goal to force extra-time. The maroon and white supporters now sensed that they would carry the day after a difficult encounter.

But just when Galway got their noses ahead with a Niamh McGrath free within two minutes of the added period, Dalton’s dead ground stroke knocked the life out of the Tribeswomen before Denise Gaule finished with two points in the closing stages.

This was a contest that camogie supporters had been anticipating all week. From the start, both teams seeked to seize the initiative. Within 49 seconds, O’Reilly took possession to split the posts.  It was the start Ollie Bergin’s charges needed, but Kilkenny’s response was telling.

Put through by her sister Anna, Shelly Farrell managed to turn inside before hand passing to the net. Gaule made her mark from midfield, opening her account to make it 1-1 to 0-1. Subsequently, Aoife Donohue, who was equally tremendous with her never-ending work rate, got on the scoreboard to leave two between them.

The sides traded points through Quilty and Donohue but scores for Gaule and Anna Farrell put Kilkenny four clear. Galway stayed in touch when McGrath opened her account after Donohue was fouled. Gaule replied but points for Noreen Coen and O’Reilly had Galway 1-5 to 0-6 behind on 20 minutes.

Kilkenny had made the surprising move to drop Dalton to centre back that yielded dividends for them, but Galway were guilty of sitting back allowing the Cats to take them on. In contrast, when Galway decided to have a go, they threatened to cause problems.

But Kilkenny’s ability to counter decreed that Galway’s defence had to be on full alert and Susan Earner, along with Heather Cooney, delivered a sensational triple save as the two Farrell sisters and Quilty were all denied.

Galway were getting chances but couldn’t create the right opportunity to test Emma Kavanagh. And Kilkenny were more effective at punishing their opponents, highlighted perfectly with a stunning second goal.

Full coverage in this week’s Connacht Tribune.