Dillon delivers for Galway

Galway  4-9

Tipperary 1-10

THERE were no trophies handed out in Banagher on Saturday, but Galway would have taken satisfaction from getting one over Tipperary in the All-Ireland minor camogie semi-final.

Mairead Dillon’s stunning performance in scoring four goals ensured the Tribesgirls always held the upper hand over their rivals. At underage level, these two counties have been to the fore this decade and while Tipperary have slightly slipped behind, they were never going to make it easy.

Lorraine Larkin has now led Galway to a seventh successive All-Ireland final, but they face a tough challenge against Cork on April 28 after falling to the Rebelettes in the group stages. However, after overcoming the county that denied her in three finals between under 16 and minor, her squad will have taken a major lift.

Caoimhe Perdue converted a Tipperary free after just 51 seconds but Galway’s threat was evident in their first meaningful attack. Chloe Reilly set off down the left flank and just when the rearguard was about to swallow her up, she spotted Dillon who made no mistake with the first goal.

Tipperary set up to curtail Galway’s attack, particularly Siobhan McGrath who was man marked by Niamh Long throughout. And forward Laura Shinners was delegated the centre back role to cut out the supply.

But Larkin’s players stepped up as Reilly added a point, although the Galway manager wouldn’t have been happy with how her defence opened up on six minutes. Casey Hennessey attempted to gain ground and couldn’t believe her luck, getting within range before striking Tipperary’s goal.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.