Galway survive controversy and weather to carry the day

Galway 2-10
Clare 0-14
(AET)

GALWAY survived an extraordinary afternoon last Saturday to secure their place in the All-Ireland senior camogie semi-final on Sunday week (August 24).

Thunder and lightning, monsoon rain, threatened abandonment, an unregistered point and a resilient Clare all endangered the champions, but Tony Ward’s charges provided the grit and character necessary to maintain their hold on the O’Duffy Cup.

In the end, Emma Kilkelly and Aislinn Connolly’s goals at critical periods helped the Tribeswomen get over the line, but it was the events around the three-quarter mark that produced the talking points and discontent.

Leading 1-8 to 0-8 in the Limerick sunshine, the heavens opened rapidly resulting in a blinding downpour that threatened cancellation.  Referee Mike O’Kelly continued play and in the five minutes that followed, Galway’s attack created another goal chance.

Brenda Hanney and Connolly set up Molly Dunne who forced the save from Denise Lynch. The resulting 45 was sent over by Niamh McGrath and the umpire waved the white flag.  All in the Gaelic Grounds noted the score and Galway were four ahead. Or so we thought!

Events on the sideline were proving as interesting as both teams were anxious to get off the field.  Eventually, O’Kelly opted for a temporary hold up to allow the thunder and lightning pass. Tweve minutes later, the action recommenced but the scoreboard still read 1-8 to 0-8.

McGrath’s 45 had not been registered by the referee, and no indication was given that it was disallowed.  As Clare staged a courageous fightback, supporters assumed the scoreboard was incorrect. Chloe Morey sent over a free but when Claire McMahon stepped up to reduce arrears to the minimum, the missing point wasn’t just a technical error.

A Clare selector checked with the referee. O’Kelly confirmed the score and McMahon made it 1-8 to 0-10 on 76 minutes. There was time for one more. Three minutes later, they got it and McMahon converted again. All over at 1-8 to 0-11. Extra time awaited.

Full match report in this week’s Connacht Tribune.