High flying Galway aiming to repeat league final win over Cork

GALWAY hurling supporters travelling on Saturday would be advised to travel early as the camogie curtain-raiser could provide the perfect appetiser.

In a repeat of the league final, Galway begin their championship campaign against All-Ireland champions Cork at O’Connor Park, Tullamore(3pm)in a pairing many pundits are predicting will be the Croke Park camogie centrepiece in September.

A group containing Wexford, Limerick and Offaly will ensure neither manager looks too far ahead but both sides will be determined to lay down a marker.

Galway have been the form team in 2015, going six games unbeaten. They’ve improved and thrived with every game following nearly a dozen retirements including former All-Stars Ann Marie Hayes, Brenda Hanney, Orla Kilkenny, Regina Glynn and Aislinn Connolly.

After an opening draw with Limerick in the National League, the Tribeswomen picked up victories against Tipperary and Offaly before completing a hat-trick against All-Ireland contenders Wexford, Kilkenny and Cork.

In each outing, Galway produced breathtaking camogie in the first half but casual second periods allowed Kilkenny and Cork hope. Indeed, Galway led Cork 2-10 to 0-5 at half-time in that league decider before only holding out by three points.

“Our first half display was near enough perfect but look it, that’s no good,” said Galway manager Tony Ward during the week. “You don’t win a game being ahead at half-time. You have to be ahead at the end.  I suppose we just held on in that league final. We’ve worked on a lot of things. We’ve worked on that area of our game.”

The Sarsfields man is in his fourth season in charge and the continuity has helped the side have a settled look. Goalkeeper Susan Earner plus defenders Sarah Dervan, Heather Cooney and Lorraine Ryan are now the experienced heads but additions Tara Kenny, Siobhan Coen and Shauna Healy have gelled in well.

Full preview in this week’s Connacht Tribune.