Galway’s ability to ‘mix it’ up with Tipperary proves telling

By Eanna O’Reilly

GALWAY’S victory over Tipperary in Saturday’s All-Ireland senior camogie semi-final required the attributes of physicality, doggedness and work rate, in what was a very attritional game.

The physicality of the Tipp side, along with the damp conditions and slippery surface on the Páirc Uí Chaoimh pitch, meant that an open game was always unlikely. In the circumstances, the Tribeswomen had to roll up their sleeves and dig in, in order to break Tipp down and ultimately outlast them.

It was a day when Galway’s fitness combined with their strength and conditioning work really stood to them, given the challenge posed by Tipp and the conditions on the day. Coming through such a test will surely stand to Cathal Murray’ side, while they certainly have the extra gear they will need for the final against Kilkenny.

In the opening quarter of Saturday’s game, Tipp showed the greater sharpness and energy. Some good inter-play and strong runs saw them break through the central channel on a couple of occasions, most notably when Karen Kennedy was taken down by Galway’s Shauna Healy.

Bill Mullaney’s side were winning a lot of breaks around the middle third, with Kennedy, Róisín Howard and Niamh Treacy prominent early on. They showed their inexperience however, in taking on some shots from difficult angles and hitting three early wides. They also missed a goal chance when Howard’s shot lacked the power to beat Sarah Healy.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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