Galway girls lose out in U-16 final thriller

Tipperary 4-6  Galway 2-8

Darren Kelly in Portlaoise

In an exciting and compelling contest, Galway came up short in the All-Ireland under 16 camogie final as four critical goals plus four late points secured the honours for Tipperary.

This game had so many twists that spectators in O’Moore Park were hooked from the start and they expressed their appreciation at half-time with a standing ovation.

After a disastrous start going 2-2 to 0-2 behind in the first 11 minutes, the Tribesgirls played their part in an epic battle and were back in contention after Ciara Murphy’s outstanding goal before half-time.

Galway weren’t helped by some odd decision making from the referee, most notably when a hold-up in play during the second quarter for a Tipperary injury resulted in a throw-in when the maroon and white should have had an indirect free. But the concession of two further goals against the run of play ultimately cost Galway this tie.

Tipperary’s quick forwards proved problematic for the Tribesgirls at the start. Despite Erica Coen opening Galway’s account, Keely Lenihan replied immediately but the Munster’s side onslaught could have settled this contest very early.

 Niamh Treacy struck their first goal on four minutes and she got a second seven minutes later after being set up by Ciardha Maher.  Roisin Cahill could have added a third only for a Tara Murphy’s quality stop in the ninth minute that deflected over the bar, but it would be the second quarter before Galway got to grips with this final. Full match report in this week’s Connacht Tribune.