Connacht claim their first Gael Linn interpros Cup since 2008

Connacht 2-7

Leinster 1-6

Connacht won just their fifth Gael Linn Cup and their first since 2008 when they had four points to spare over Leinster in an entertaining senior interprovincial camogie final at the National Sports Campus in Abbotstown.

Connacht were pushed all the way and had to withstand a late rally by Ulster before edging through by 2-10 to 2-8 in the semi-final.

They led by 10 points with time running out but were left breathing a sigh of relief at the final whistle, when they had just two points to spare.

Leinster were much too strong for a Munster side that did not have the benefit of being able to select any player from All-Ireland champions Cork and cruised to a 1-21 to 0-10 victory.

By virtue of those results, it was a star-studded Leinster unit that held the favourites’ mantle but two second half goals secured the honours for the westerners.

The first-half was very cagey, with the conditions making it difficult at times. In such circumstances, a steady hand at the tiller was required and Niamh McGrath (Galway) provided it, scoring four of her five points as Connacht led by 0-5 to 0-3 at the interval.

Gaule and Morkan were responsible for Leinster’s scores but they didn’t manage one from play until Stacey Kehoe (Wexford) raised a white flag four minutes into the second half.

That was in response to another McGrath point but when Morkan slotted her second point, there was just the minimum between the sides.

Then came the key period, as Galway pair Noreen Coen and Aoife Donoghue struck for the goals that gave Connacht vital breathing space and a seven-point lead with 13 minutes remaining.

Gaule did give Leinster some hope with a goal to bring her tally to 1-3 but Connacht had enough in hand to take the silverware.

Meanwhile, a number of table quizes will take place around the county, including Killimordaly and Maree, this Friday evening in aid of the the Galway senior camogie players training fund. Tables of 4 cost €40 with raffle prizes and finger food also available on the night.