High flying Galway make short work of Banner rivals

Galway 4-11

Clare 1-5

GALWAY completed the group stages of the National Senior Camogie League last Sunday with another comprehensive victory, but remain none the wiser about who they’ll face in the semi-finals on April 17.

As Ollie Bergin’s charges used the elements to their advantage in the second period, attention turned elsewhere as Kilkenny’s 2-12 to 0-14 victory over Limerick set up a play-off for the fourth spot.

The Noresiders top Group Two with nine points and a +35 scoring difference, but the four point margin left Limerick and Cork equal on nine points and a +20 difference, so  they will meet again to decide Galway’s opponents.

Beforehand, the Tribeswomen were seeking to maintain their impressive run but the incessant rain nearly forced a postponement. The ground in Clooney was cut up and referee Karl O’Brien had a detailed inspection before allowing the game to proceed.

Clare needed a win to take their place in the penultimate stages and started with intent creating early chances. The Banner began their campaign with wins over Offaly and Wexford but had seen their form fall flat as losses to Tipperary and Dublin left them desperate for a shock result.

The first half would always prove difficult for Galway, but they made the opening statement when an Emma Helebert delivery down the left allowed Ailish O’Reilly shake off Aoibheann Malone before putting Aoife Donohue through for the first goal.

Even though the contest was close until half-time, Galway always looked ready to increase the tempo and Niamh Kilkenny pointed on eight minutes to make it 1-1 to 0-0 even if her shot looked below the crossbar.

Again, Bergin used the opportunity to survey options with Dervla Higgins and Ciara Murphy starting and both players put in an impressive shift. Higgins looked assured at corner back while Murphy made a telling impact in the full forward line.

Clare did open their account in the 11th minute when Chloe Morey sent over a free but the All-Star forward wasn’t having her best afternoon even if she finished as the game’s top scorer. Two minutes later, captain Orlaith Duggan pointed from a difficult right angle as Trisha O’Grady’s team took the game to reigning league champions.

Aoife Callanan responded with a Galway free but Morey left it 1-2 to 0-3 on 19 minutes when her low attempt went just over.  After Doireann Murphy and Michelle Caulfield drew a foul in the 23rd minute, Morey scored again but Clare weren’t doing enough damage with the strong wind behind them. In contrast, Galway looked threatening with Donohue and O’Reilly testing the opposing defence and they combined on 24 minutes to set Ciara Murphy up for their second green flag, leaving the result looking inevitable.

Full match report in this week’s Connacht Tribune