Galway Throw Down Title Warning

Date Published: 10-Jul-2008

AFTER a promising league campaign and interprovincial championship success, Galway announced their All-Ireland intentions on Saturday by defeating defending champions Wexford and picking up their second victory of the campaign.

In a repeat of last year’s semi-final, Jessica Gill’s first half goal proved to be the critical score as the Tribeswomen made home advantage count to move within touching distance of the knockout stages.
Winners of the O’Duffy Cup last year for the first time since 1975, this Wexford side have had a disappointing season.

Beaten by Dublin in the Leinster championship and failing to make an impact in the league, they were outplayed by their hosts in this encounter and have now suffered two defeats from as many games. While delighted with this victory, the Galway management team of Liam Donohue, Damien Coleman and Anne Broderick will be only too aware that there is still much to work on.

Two goals were carelessly conceded under long range deliveries while, at the other end, the Galway attack as a unit didn’t trouble the umpires enough and often made poor decisions in attack. But their confidence will be further enhanced after this victory and their determination and focus cannot be questioned.Their faults can be worked on, but this side truly believe that they’re destined to be in Croke Park in September.

Despite the weather conditions leading up to this triple header hosted by Killimor Camogie Club, Galway did start brightly with Deirdre Burke and a Jessica Gill free giving them a two point advantage in the first four minutes.Victory was the ultimate aim regardless of how it was achieved, but it took the hosts some time to get going as the visitors dominated in the half back line and midfield while making the pressure count on the scoreboard in the eighth minute.

Kate Kelly was last year’s player of the year and while she had…