Galway’s late goal blitz gets them off the mark

Galway  4-7

Clare 0-12

Darren Kelly in Clonlara

AT the third time of asking, three goals in the last 11 minutes on Sunday finally kick-started Galway’s 2014 camogie season as they ran out seven point winners over Clare.

Following two defeats in the National League, many questions were been asked about Tony Ward’s side but they showed their hunger and desire was still intact as green flags from Niamh Kilkenny, Brenda Hanney, Emma Kilkelly followed a first half strike from Orlaith McGrath.

Hanney was one of numerous returning faces with Orla Kilkenny also seeing action, while Aislinn Connolly, Sinead Cahalan and Regina Glynn were present too at the county Clare venue.

It was Hanney who made a major difference upon her introduction. Like the previous week, Galway had seen an early lead wiped away and the home side were 0-10 to 1-5 ahead on 49 minutes with Claire McMahon and Kate Lynch accounting for their scores. But the Killimor forward played a big role in the Tribeswomen’s next two contributions that turned this tie around.

Tara Kenny’s knockdown around the middle led to the second goal as Galway quickly started a move with two of their experienced campaigners combining. Niamh Kilkenny’s run picked out Hanney who returned the pass and the Pearses player put Galway back in front with the second goal.

Despite Lynch responding for Clare, the maroon and white struck another blow two minutes afterwards. Rebecca Hennelly’s cross field pass was beautifully picked out of the air by Aoife Donohue who took on the defence. As the Banner narrowed the space, the Mullagh player saw the unmarked Hanney on the edge of the square and the third Galway goal ensued for a 3-5 to 0-11 advantage.

McMahon split the posts to reduce arrears to two but it was the visitors finishing well. Hennelly sent over two more frees, but another quick Galway move in injury time saw Kilkelly perfectly placed to score the fourth goal and the first win of the year was secured for the Tribeswomen.

While the finish would have pleased supporters, the start was also encouraging as Galway took a 1-4 to 0-1 lead in the first 20 minutes. Hennelly (2), Deirdre Burke and Kilkelly notched points, but the goal on seven minutes showed the maroon and white were intent on a result.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune