Galway tipped to land first league title in a decade

Following impressive victories over Wexford and Kilkenny, Galway Camogie manager Tony Ward has named an unchanged line-up for this Sunday’s National Camogie League Final against All-Ireland champions Cork (1.30pm Semple Stadium).

Their 20-point victory over Wexford had made many pundits sit up and take notice, but their dominant display in dispatching Kilkenny in the semi-final has given strong indications for a good Summer.

Susan Earner was composed between the sticks, eradicating many unhappy memories from the All-Ireland semi-final last August. The full-back line of Tara Kenny, Sarah Dervan and Heather Cooney are growing as a unit; as are the half-backs of Siobhan Coen, Shauna Healy and Lorraine Ryan.

Niamh Kilkenny continues to set the standard at midfield and she had found a good partnership with Emma Kilkelly, who is the only link from the last successful league side.

The attack has been flying this year, even if it took time following their 0-6 apiece draw with Limerick in February. Niamh McGrath’s free-taking and distribution have been top drawer. Beside her, Aoife Donohue and Ann Marie Starr have been unselfish in their work rate, helping the midfield as well as taking on the opposing half backs.

And Galway seems to have discovered a natural inside line. Ailish O’Reilly has scored goals in the last three games, including two against Kilkenny. Molly Dunne has also been enjoying good form with a brace of recent goals; while Orlaith McGrath has contributed points in both games since her return from injury.

Their performance in the first-half of the semi-final was among the best in recent memory and their total of 10-60 in five games is testament to that. That being said, lapses of concentration will still be a worry as the Noresiders, in particular, were allowed back into that contest far too easily in Galway’s 5-7 to 2-9 win, but the form being shown by the maroon and white has them favourites in many people’s eyes to pick up a first league title since 2005.

On that day, Galway defeated Cork 1-6 to 0-6 and it’s the Rebelettes who provide the opposition again.  Cork have a 100% record following wins over Clare, Kilkenny, Derry and Dublin before dispatching Limerick 1-12 to 0-10 at the penultimate stage. Their winning margins have been small, but Cork are built around a solid, defensive pattern and have only conceded a total of 41 points in their five games.

Like Ward, Paudie Murray has a young outfit in action with 10 players U-21. Amy Lee is a new name in goal but she pulled off important saves in the semi-final against Limerick. Laura Treacy has gone from corner-back full-back, with Leanne O’Sullivan and Rena Buckley other strong players among the defence.  New captain Ashling Thompson will fulfil her role as holding midfielder in front of the half backs with her usual efficiency.

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