Galway make poor start to championship

Kilkenny 1-10

Galway  1-8

Darren Kelly in Athenry

Denise Gaule’s goal two minutes into the second half last Saturday was the crucial score for Kilkenny as Galway’s 2013 Liberty Insurance All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship campaign started off in the worst possible manner.

Kilkenny led 0-6 to 0-0 at the interval, having played with the wind, as the Tribeswomen struggled to settle, and when Eva Concannon’s attempted clearance was blocked by Shelly Farrell after the restart, Gaule was there to help the sliotar to the net to leave Galway with an uphill task.

Credit to Galway, however, as they responded well, but their problems were evident as they played like a team nervous about making an impact in their search for this year’s All-Ireland title.

The players struggled with basic errors, dropping hand passes, conceding possession and the front six had a nightmare opening 30 minutes failing to register a white flag.

Management didn’t have their best outing either and didn’t utilise their bench, making one substitution. And after Sinead Cahalan couldn’t start with flu, the decision to leave newcomer Clodagh McGrath at centre-back and the experienced Therese Maher in midfield was surprising when reputations were built in the opposite positions.

But even after this poor display, there were positives – positives urgently required ahead of their trips to Wexford and Clare next month.

McGrath never lacked effort and improved as the game continued and Siobhan Coen and Ailish O’Reilly had solid openings to their senior careers showing that Galway has a bright future.

It must be remembered, Galway commenced previous years in champagne style only to finish the season empty.  How this team reacts to this defeat will be interesting?

They did respond after the goal and nearly sneaked victory, only for Niamh Kilkenny’s late shot to be blocked by Kate McDonald. And the attack started to link very well despite the frustration of taking so long.

Ann Marie Hayes opened the account within 60 seconds of Kilkenny’s goal, and that tally trebled thanks to Niamh McGrath and Emer Haverty. McGrath’s free-taking in the second-half was accurate and Brenda Hanney started creating attacks, including on 44 minutes when she sent Ailish O’Reilly through.

The young Oranmore-Maree corner forward’s attempt stopped by Emma Kavanagh but ever alert, Hayes pressurised the keeper and touched the ball home for a Galway goal.

Galway were leading 1-7 to 1-3 and had momentum, but this was negated by the concession of easy frees. Dalton pointed from one for Kilkenny and Aoife Neary hit the post on 37 minutes but two McGrath frees kept the hosts just two points behind with 12 minutes remaining.

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