Galway come through first real test in defence of title

Galway 0-15

Cork 0-12

Eanna O’Reilly at Pearse Stadium

A cracking contest at Pearse Stadium on Sunday saw All-Ireland champions Galway come out on top in their first serious test of this year’s campaign. As expected, Cork provided Cathal Murray’s side with a huge challenge on the day and the Tribeswomen had to produce a top-class performance to overcome the Rebels.

An excellent second quarter, during which Galway were inspired by two marvellous sideline cuts from Rebecca Hennelly, was the catalyst for the home side taking control of the game. Hennelly’s line ball heroics proved crucial, with the Ardrahan star providing a four-point total in a very close contest.

Galway’s five-point half time lead was highly significant and forced Cork to chase the game for the duration of the second half. Galway displayed their composure and experience in closing out the game to qualify directly for an All-Ireland semi-final on November 28.

It was clear from the outset that this match would be fiercely contested, with a high level of intensity and pace to the game from the throw in. An early Cork attack saw Amy O’Connor get onto a ball behind Sarah Dervan and go through on goal, which left the Galway captain with no option but to take her down in the square.

It was an early sign of the threat posed by the Cork forwards, with O’Connor displaying exceptional pace. However, Chloe Sigerson’s penalty failed to generate the necessary power and Sarah Healy made a comfortable save. A foul on Niamh Kilkenny in the fourth minute saw Carrie Dolan open the scoring with her first pointed free. A minute later, Siobhán McGrath opened up the Cork defence with a great run, but Cork ‘keeper Amy Lee impressively saved the Galway corner-forward’s shot.

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.

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